inconclusive

/ɪnkənˈklusɪv/

/ɪnkənˈklusɪv/

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

   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