Unconclusive: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔
Add to dictionary

unconclusive

 

[ˌʌnkənˈkluːsɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in discussions or investigations

Not leading to a definite conclusion or result; not decisive.

Synonyms

ambiguous, inconclusive, inconclusive, indecisive, indefinite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unconclusive

Use when describing something that does not provide a clear or definite result. It might imply uncertainty, but it is less commonly used in modern English.

  • The experiment's results were unconclusive, leading to more questions than answers.
inconclusive

Use when something does not lead to a firm conclusion or decision. It is commonly used in scientific, legal, or investigative contexts.

  • The trial ended with inconclusive evidence, so the case was dismissed.
indecisive

Use when referring to a person who cannot make a decision, or a situation where a decision cannot be easily made. It often has a negative connotation when describing people.

  • She is so indecisive that even choosing a restaurant becomes a long ordeal.
ambiguous

Use when something has more than one possible interpretation or is unclear. It's often used in literature, communication, or descriptions of statements that can be understood in multiple ways.

  • Her reply was ambiguous, and no one knew what she really meant.
indefinite

Use when something is not fixed or limited, often referring to time or quantity. It suggests the possibility of change or that something remains undefined.

  • The project has been postponed for an indefinite period.

Examples of usage

  • The evidence presented was inconclusive, leaving the jury unable to reach a verdict.
  • After hours of debate, the meeting ended in an unconclusive decision.
  • The researchers were frustrated by the unconclusive nature of their experiments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' while 'conclusive' stems from the Latin word 'concludere,' which means 'to shut or finish.'
  • The word entered English in the early 20th century, reflecting the growing complexities in fields like science and law.
  • It commonly appears in discussions where certainty is required, often linked to debates or research findings.

Science

  • In scientific research, results are often noted as unconclusive when data does not support a definite hypothesis.
  • Peer reviews can be unconclusive if reviewers disagree on the interpretation of findings.
  • Unconclusive results can lead to further studies, highlighting the importance of ongoing exploration.

Literature

  • In storytelling, an unconclusive ending can leave readers questioning the outcome, inviting them to think deeper.
  • Authors might use unconclusive plots to mirror real-life ambiguities and uncertainties.
  • Classic literature sometimes concludes without full resolutions to reflect on being human, where answers are not always clear.

Psychology

  • Unconclusive emotions are common when faced with ambiguous situations, such as uncertain relationships.
  • Cognitive dissonance can result in feelings of being unconclusive when beliefs and actions conflict.
  • Therapy can help individuals make sense of unconclusive thoughts by exploring underlying concerns.

Pop Culture

  • Many mystery films end unconclusively to provoke discussions and theories among viewers.
  • TV shows like 'Lost' gained a cult following partly because they left many plot points unconclusive until the very end.
  • Gaming has also embraced unconclusivity, often leading players to debate potential outcomes after the credits roll.

Translations

Translations of the word "unconclusive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inconclusivo

🇮🇳 अस्पष्ट

🇩🇪 ergebnislos

🇮🇩 tidak meyakinkan

🇺🇦 неоднозначний

🇵🇱 niejednoznaczny

🇯🇵 決定的でない

🇫🇷 inconclusif

🇪🇸 inconcluso

🇹🇷 kesin olmayan

🇰🇷 확정되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير حاسم

🇨🇿 nepřesvědčivý

🇸🇰 nepresvedčivý

🇨🇳 未决

🇸🇮 neprepričljiv

🇮🇸 óákveðið

🇰🇿 шешімсіз

🇬🇪 გაურკვეველი

🇦🇿 qərarsız

🇲🇽 inconcluso