Meaning & Definition
adjective
Not leading to a decisive result or conclusion.
The evidence presented during the trial was inconclusive, leaving the jury uncertain about the verdict.
Lacking a clear outcome or finality.
The data from the experiment was inconclusive, prompting the researchers to conduct further tests.
Not resulting in a definitive answer.
The discussions between the two parties ended inconclusively, with no agreement reached.
Failing to provide a definite answer or result.
Her response was inconclusive, making it difficult for us to understand her true feelings.
Etymology
From Latin 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'conclusus', the past participle of 'concludere', meaning 'to close, conclude'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
inconclusive evidence:
Evidence that does not provide a clear answer or conclusion.
inconclusive results:
Results that do not lead to a firm conclusion.
inconclusive debate:
A debate where no definitive conclusion is reached.
Slang Meanings
Up in the air
The project is still up in the air, we haven't reached any conclusions.
No clear winner
The election was a no clear winner; it was totally inconclusive.