Word
inconclusive
Phoneticsin·con·clu·sive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnkənˈkɫusɪv/
UK/ɪnkənklˈuːsɪv/
Definition
adj. not leading to a clear result or decision. You use this when a test or a search does not give you a final answer.
adj. failing to provide a definitive result or lead to a firm conclusion. Often describes evidence, research findings, or the outcome of a competition.
Examples
“The medical test results were inconclusive, so I need more exams.”
“Despite a week of intense investigation, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding the cause of the fire.”
“The initial study proved inconclusive, prompting the research team to redesign their methodology to account for previously overlooked environmental variables.”
Examples
simple
“The medical test results were inconclusive, so I need more exams.”
contextual
“Despite a week of intense investigation, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding the cause of the fire.”
complex
“The initial study proved inconclusive, prompting the research team to redesign their methodology to account for previously overlooked environmental variables.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs such as 'be', 'remain', or 'prove'.
Real-World Examples
“My psychiatrist explained that the potential risks associated with the drug were relatively small, and that the evidence linking it to harm was inconclusive.” “At best, the evidence is mixed and inconclusive .” Etymology
From in- + conclusive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inconclusive