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Inconclusive: meaning, definitions and examples

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inconclusive

 

[ ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

research

Not leading to a firm conclusion or result; not ending doubt or dispute.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indecisive, uncertain, unsettled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inconclusive

Used when results or evidence are not definitive and cannot lead to a clear decision or conclusion.

  • The investigation was inconclusive, so they had to continue their search for more evidence.
  • The test results were inconclusive, requiring further examinations.
indecisive

Describes a person who struggles to make decisions or a situation where a clear choice is not made.

  • He is often indecisive when choosing a restaurant.
  • The committee remained indecisive, postponing the final decision until the next meeting.
unsettled

Describes a situation or person that remains unresolved or in a state of disorder, often leading to discomfort or worry.

  • The dispute left the community feeling unsettled.
  • The market is currently unsettled due to recent events.
ambiguous

Used when something can be understood in multiple ways and lacks clarity or a single interpretation.

  • The instructions were ambiguous, leading to different interpretations among team members.
  • Her answer was ambiguous, leaving everyone confused.
uncertain

Used when someone is unsure about something or when the outcome or future is not clear.

  • She was uncertain about which career path to follow.
  • The weather forecast is uncertain, so we need a backup plan.

Examples of usage

  • The inconclusive experiment left the scientists puzzled.
  • After hours of discussion, the meeting was inconclusive.
  • The evidence presented was inconclusive, leaving the case unresolved.
Context #2 | Adjective

analysis

Not leading to a definite result or outcome; not providing a clear answer.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indefinite, unconclusive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inconclusive

Suitable when describing results or evidence that do not lead to a final decision or conclusion.

  • The test results were inconclusive, so we need to run more tests
  • The debate ended in an inconclusive manner, leaving the issue unresolved
indefinite

Applied when something is not clearly defined, limitless, or lasting for an unknown period of time.

  • The duration of their stay is indefinite
  • She received an indefinite answer about her job application, leaving her uncertain
unconclusive

This is not a standard English word and is rarely, if ever, used. The correct term would be 'inconclusive'.

  • N/A
ambiguous

Used when something is open to more than one interpretation and is unclear or confusing.

  • His intentions were ambiguous; I couldn't tell if he was serious
  • The wording in the contract was ambiguous and led to misunderstandings

Examples of usage

  • The data was inconclusive and required further investigation.
  • The test results were inconclusive, requiring additional testing.
  • The study's findings were inconclusive, prompting a reevaluation of the methodology.

Translations

Translations of the word "inconclusive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inconclusivo

🇮🇳 अपूर्ण

🇩🇪 unentschieden

🇮🇩 tidak konklusif

🇺🇦 неоднозначний

🇵🇱 niejednoznaczny

🇯🇵 決定的でない

🇫🇷 inconclusif

🇪🇸 inconcluso

🇹🇷 sonuçsuz

🇰🇷 결정적이지 않은

🇸🇦 غير حاسم

🇨🇿 nepřesvědčivý

🇸🇰 nepresvedčivý

🇨🇳 无定论的

🇸🇮 neprepričljiv

🇮🇸 óljóst

🇰🇿 айқын емес

🇬🇪 უცნობი

🇦🇿 qeyri-müəyyən

🇲🇽 inconcluso

Etymology

The word 'inconclusive' originated in the late 18th century, formed by adding the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' to the word 'conclusive'. It is used to describe situations or findings that do not provide a clear or definitive conclusion. The term is commonly used in scientific research, investigations, and analyses to indicate results that do not lead to a firm decision or resolution.

See also: unconclusive.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,300, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.