Unconclusive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤔

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?

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'unconclusive'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'unconclusive' originated from the Latin word 'concludere' meaning 'to shut up'. The prefix 'un-' was added to indicate negation, thus forming 'unconclusive'. This term has been used in English language since the 17th century to describe situations or arguments that do not lead to a clear or definite conclusion.