unschlüssige

Unschlüssige is a German term formed from the prefix un- and the adjective schlüssig, meaning not conclusive or indecisive. As an adjective it describes things or statements that lack a definite conclusion or resolution, and it can also describe people who have not yet made a firm decision. In practice, unschlüssig is used for both concrete matters (such as evidence, decisions, or arguments) and more abstract situations (such as plans or positions).

Etymology and usage notes: schlüssig originally relates to a conclusion or rationale, with schlüssig meaning coherent or conclusive. The prefix un- negates this sense, yielding unschlüssig = not conclusive, unclear, or indecisive. Typical collocations include unschlüssige Begründung (an indecisive/inconclusive justification), unschlüssige Entscheidung (an undecided decision), and unschlüssige Beweise (inconclusive evidence). The contrast with unentschlossen (indecisive, personally hesitant) is common: unschlüssig often refers to the quality of an argument or outcome, while unentschlossen emphasizes a person’s state of mind.

Nominalization and related forms: the form Unschlüssige, capitalized, can function as a noun meaning “the undecideds” or “the indecisives,” though this usage is rare and context-dependent. More frequently one would use unentschlossene Personen to describe undecided individuals. The verb counterpart would be sich unschlüssig zeigen or eine Entscheidung bleibt unschlüssig.

See also: schlüssig, entschlossen, unentschlossen, unklar.