Definition

Not leading to a clear or definite conclusion; uncertain or ambiguous.

Example

The results of the experiment were inconclusive, so we need to conduct more tests.

Conversation

Did you hear about the results of the experiment?

Yeah, I did, but they seemed pretty inconclusive to me.

Exactly! I was hoping for something more definitive.

Same here. It's frustrating when the findings are so inconclusive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inconclusive → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "conclusus" (from Latin "concludere", meaning to close or conclude). The word "inconclusive" means not leading to a conclusion or not definitive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') leading to a 'conclusion' ('conclusus') — that's why inconclusive means something that doesn't lead to a clear answer.

Visually Confused Words