1
Core quality
Not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
Example
The first trial was inconclusive because the sample was too small.
inconclusive
/ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪv/ · in-kun-KLOO-sivadjective
Not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
Use inconclusive to express this relationship precisely: not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
What inconclusive Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Evidence about the object's origin remains inconclusive.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An inconclusive result may justify further study.
Use inconclusive Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The first trial was inconclusive because the sample was too small.
Evidence about the object's origin remains inconclusive.
An inconclusive result may justify further study.
Precision Matters
Inconclusive overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
inconclusive
vs.Means not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
tentative
Means provisional, hesitant, or not yet certain, fixed, or fully developed.
inconclusive
vs.Means not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
unresolvable
Means unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
inconclusive
vs.Means not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
conclusive
Means providing enough evidence for a firm final conclusion, decision, or result.
inconclusive
vs.Means not providing enough evidence for a firm conclusion or definite result.
unequivocal
Means completely clear and leaving no room for doubt.
Test inconclusive in Context
The evidence does not support a firm final conclusion.
1
Because the two tests produced conflicting outcomes, the investigation remained ___.