inconclusively

IPA/ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪvli/
KK[ˌɪŋkˈɑnklusɪvli]IPA/ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪvli/

inconclusively — adverb

1. in a manner that fails to produce a definite result, answer, or settlement — for

1.adverbC1
Definition

in a manner that fails to produce a definite result, answer, or settlement — for example, an investigation or discussion that ends without reaching a conclusion.

Example

The investigation into the factory fire ended inconclusively, with no one charged.

end + inconclusively for unresolved outcomes

Selim's research trial ended inconclusively when the sample size proved too small.

Common collocations
  • end inconclusively
  • conclude inconclusively
  • vote inconclusively
  • test inconclusively
  • result inconclusively
  • discuss inconclusively
Synonyms
  • indecisively

    focuses on hesitation or inability to decide, often used of people rather than processes

  • tentatively

    suggests something is done as a trial or with caution, not necessarily without result

  • open-endedly

    less common; emphasises that an outcome is deliberately left unresolved

Antonyms
  • conclusively

    the direct opposite — in a way that settles something once and for all

  • decisively

    in a manner that produces a clear and firm outcome

  • definitively

    in a way that is final and cannot be changed

Grammar Patterns

[verb] + inconclusively

inconclusively + [verb]

Usage Note

Commonly paired with verbs that describe processes or outcomes, such as end, conclude, vote, or test. The subject is usually an investigation, discussion, trial, match, or vote — a situation expected to produce a clear result.

Common Mistakes

The team played inconclusively and lost the game.
The match ended inconclusively when neither team scored.
'inconclusively' describes a lack of resolution in an outcome, not poor performance or effort.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Inconclusively describes a process or outcome that fails to reach a clear result — an investigation, vote, or trial that ends without resolution. Indecisively, by contrast, focuses on a person's inability to make up their mind ('She hesitated indecisively at the menu'). Tentatively means something is done as a trial or with caution, not necessarily without result ('He tentatively agreed to the plan'). The adjective inconclusive is often confused with the adverb: use inconclusively when modifying a verb ('The talks ended inconclusively') and inconclusive when modifying a noun ('The talks were inconclusive'). For example: 'The jury deliberated inconclusively for three days' (adverb describing how they deliberated) vs 'The jury's decision was inconclusive' (adjective describing the decision itself).

indecisively ↗tentatively ↗inconclusive

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • end inconclusively
  • conclude inconclusively
  • vote inconclusively
  • test inconclusively
  • result inconclusively

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed in English from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') + 'conclusively', which itself comes from Latin 'conclusivus' (serving to conclude), from 'concludere' (to shut up, close, finish). The base verb 'conclude' entered English through Middle French in the 1300s; the adverb 'conclusively' appeared in the 1600s, and the negative form 'inconclusively' followed soon after.

First known use

1707

1707, in the meaning defined above