The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

inconclusive

IPA:

Dictionary definition of inconclusive

Failing to provide a definite or decisive conclusion or result.
"The medical test results were inconclusive, requiring further examination."

Detailed meaning of inconclusive

When something is described as inconclusive, it implies that the available evidence, information, or findings are insufficient to establish a clear resolution or draw a definite outcome. It suggests that there is ambiguity, uncertainty, or lack of convincing evidence to support a conclusive judgment or determination. Inconclusive results may arise from inconclusive experiments, inconclusive investigations, inconclusive tests, or inconclusive studies. It can also apply to discussions, debates, or arguments where there is no clear consensus or resolution reached. The term "inconclusive" often indicates the need for further investigation, analysis, or examination to obtain more conclusive or definitive results. It underscores the existence of unanswered questions, unresolved issues, or a lack of sufficient evidence to establish a final and definitive position. Overall, the adjective "inconclusive" signifies a state of ambiguity or uncertainty where a conclusive or decisive outcome is not reached based on the available evidence or information.

Example sentences containing inconclusive

1. The inconclusive results of the experiment led to further research.
2. His arguments, while compelling, were ultimately inconclusive.
3. Despite hours of debate, the meeting ended in an inconclusive vote.
4. The inconclusive evidence did not support a definitive verdict.
5. The detectives were frustrated with the inconclusive nature of the clues.
6. Even after a thorough inspection, the findings were still inconclusive.

History and etymology of inconclusive

The adjective 'inconclusive' can be traced back to Latin roots. It begins with the prefix 'in,' signifying 'not' or 'without,' and is combined with 'conclusus,' the past participle of 'concludere.' 'Concludere' is a fusion of 'con,' meaning 'together,' and 'cludere,' meaning 'to close' or 'to end.' Consequently, the etymology of 'inconclusive' reflects the idea of something that does not bring a definite or decisive closure or result, as if failing to bring things together in a conclusive manner. It implies an absence of finality, leaving room for doubt or ambiguity in the conclusions drawn from a particular situation, investigation, or argument.

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Further usage examples of inconclusive

1. The inconclusive autopsy report raised more questions than answers.
2. Despite the inconclusive trial, public opinion was largely against the defendant.
3. The inconclusive research left the scientific community divided.
4. The inconclusive election results led to a recount in several districts.
5. The archeologists were left unsatisfied by the inconclusive results of the carbon dating.
6. The inconclusive peace talks left the country in a state of uncertainty.
7. Despite the inconclusive nature of the polls, the candidates remained optimistic.
8. Her inconclusive symptoms made diagnosis a complex process.
9. The inconclusive financial audit raised suspicions of potential fraud.
10. After weeks of negotiations, the business deal remained inconclusive.
11. The inconclusive test scores did not accurately reflect the students' understanding of the subject.
12. His inconclusive alibi made him a person of interest in the investigation.
13. Even after reading many articles, her understanding of the topic remained inconclusive.
14. The inconclusive data set made it impossible to draw any solid conclusions.