inconclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inconclusive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a result or conclusion cannot be drawn from current evidence or facts. For example: After reviewing the evidence, the investigation is still inconclusive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The evidence is inconclusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Related: Kevin Pietersen 'devastated' by England snub but Andrew Strauss stands firm In a sense both positions are irrelevant because – as the 437th inconclusive press conference on the matter confirmed on Tuesday – the line can never be drawn.

The Guardian - Sport

The 2004 investigation was fairly inconclusive but the university has had to fight hard to shed that reputation.

The Guardian

They are still trying to establish how and when the woman died, after an initial postmortem examination proved inconclusive.

The Guardian

He polled 63.33% of the third-round votes after the first two rounds proved inconclusive.

The Guardian - Sport

This story is not just being played out north of the border: UK-wide polling shows the Tories and Labour scoring some of their lowest-ever combined shares of the vote, the inconclusive result of the last general election suggested a very significant juncture had been reached – and the fact that next year's result is anyone's guess only underlines the point.

The Guardian

Nevertheless they were still a significant step forward after the chaotic and inconclusive discussions in Copenhagen in 2009, which only produced an accord, though it did provide the basis for the Cancún agreements.

The Guardian

He was involved in still inconclusive talks about the murder of Constable Yvonne Fletcher in 1984.

The Guardian

A review of 24 studies of health impacts of GM food found "no statistically significant differences between GM and non-GM crops within the parameters observed" (my italics), however other studies have been "inconclusive".

The Guardian

I think this is a more likely outcome if the final result is inconclusive in the way Jonathan Freedland describes.

The Guardian

Tempted by a deal with the Conservatives that is close – but not that close – to meeting his demands, Clegg finds himself caught between two sets of inconclusive negotiations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inconclusive", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the evidence or findings failed to determine. Be specific about the area of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid presenting a definitive conclusion immediately after stating that the results were "inconclusive". This creates a contradiction and undermines the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "inconclusive" primarily functions to modify nouns (such as results, evidence, or investigations), indicating that they do not lead to a definite conclusion. As Ludwig AI points out, it signals a lack of clarity or decisiveness. This usage is consistent throughout the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

31%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inconclusive" is an adjective used to describe something that doesn't lead to a definite conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using "inconclusive", be specific about what remains uncertain. While it is grammatically sound, avoid immediately drawing definitive conclusions after stating that something is "inconclusive", maintain consistency by emphasizing the lack of definite results. The term has several synonyms, each with subtly different implications, such as "unconvincing", "indecisive", and "uncertain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconvincing

Emphasizes a lack of persuasiveness, rather than a lack of definitive result.

indecisive

Highlights a lack of resolution, often referring to a person's inability to make a decision.

unsettled

Indicates a state of not being resolved or decided, similar to "inconclusive" but broader in scope.

ambiguous

Focuses on the presence of multiple possible meanings, creating uncertainty.

uncertain

General term for a lack of sureness or definiteness.

equivocal

Highlights a deliberate attempt to avoid a clear statement or commitment.

doubtful

Suggests uncertainty and disbelief.

questionable

Indicates uncertainty and a possibility of being wrong or dishonest.

tenuous

Suggests a weak or flimsy connection or basis, implying uncertainty.

speculative

Implies that conclusions are based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "inconclusive" in a sentence?

You can use "inconclusive" to describe results, evidence, or investigations that don't lead to a clear conclusion. For example, "The test results were "inconclusive", requiring further analysis."

What's a good alternative to saying "inconclusive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "uncertain", "unsettled", or "ambiguous" to express a similar lack of clarity or resolution.

Is it correct to say "the evidence is inconclusive, therefore..."?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, ensure that what follows "therefore" aligns with the idea of uncertainty. For instance, "The evidence is "inconclusive", therefore, further research is needed."

What is the difference between "inconclusive" and "uncertain"?

"Inconclusive" specifically refers to a lack of a definitive result or conclusion from an investigation or evidence, while "uncertain" is a broader term indicating a lack of sureness or predictability. "Inconclusive" implies a failed attempt to reach a decision or finding.