Unconclusive: meaning, definitions and examples
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unconclusive
[ˌʌnkənˈkluːsɪv ]
Definition
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 |
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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.
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inconclusive |
Use when something does not lead to a firm conclusion or decision. It is commonly used in scientific, legal, or investigative contexts.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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