nonconclusive

Nonconclusive is an adjective used to describe evidence, results, or conclusions that do not provide a definite or final determination. A nonconclusive finding fails to meet the threshold required to support a clear yes or no answer. In scientific research, nonconclusive results can arise from small sample sizes, methodological limitations, high variability, or inconsistent data, and they often prompt additional studies, replication, or alternative approaches.

In medical diagnostics, a nonconclusive or indeterminate test result means that the test cannot reliably confirm or exclude a condition, and follow-up testing, imaging, or repeat sampling is typically recommended.

In legal and investigative contexts, nonconclusive evidence or findings may indicate that no fact beyond reasonable doubt or clear proof has been established, guiding the need for further inquiry or additional corroboration.

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with inconclusive, though some contexts distinguish the words by emphasis: nonconclusive stresses lack of closure in a report or assessment, while inconclusive emphasizes the result itself not yielding a decision. Regardless, both terms signal uncertainty and the need for more information before drawing firm conclusions.

Handling nonconclusive results generally involves increasing data quality, expanding the sample, applying alternative methods, or conducting longitudinal analyses, with the aim of reaching a more definite assessment or guiding subsequent decision making.