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inconclusive

/ˌɪnkənˈklusɪv/
/ɪnkənˈklusɪv/
IPA guide

If something's inconclusive, that means it doesn't lead to a conclusion or a resolution. Inconclusive often describes scientific results. If your data about a flu outbreak is inconclusive, then your results don't prove anything.

A good way to remember the meaning of inconclusive is to look at the root word conclusive, which means "definitive, decisive, and convincing." When you add in- — which means "not" — to the front of conclusive, you get a word that means "not definitive." When something's inconclusive, it doesn't resolve your questions and leaves room for debate. If you're a detective, the last thing you want to hear is that your evidence is inconclusive.

Definitions of inconclusive
  1. adjective
    not conclusive; not putting an end to doubt or question
    “an inconclusive reply”
    inconclusive evidence”
    “the inconclusive committee vote”
    synonyms:
    equivocal
    uncertain as a sign or indication
    indeterminate
    not leading to a definite ending or result
    head-to-head, neck and neck, nip and tuck
    inconclusive as to outcome; close or just even in a race or comparison or competition
    nisi
    not final or absolute
    indecisive
    not definitely settling something
    indeterminate, undetermined
    not precisely determined or established; not fixed or known in advance
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    conclusive
    forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question
    definitive, determinate
    supplying or being a final or conclusive settlement
    decisive
    determining or having the power to determine an outcome
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