conclusivecon‧clu‧sive /kənˈkluːsɪv/ AWL adjective 
The investigation failed to provide any conclusive evidence.—conclusively adverb
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- They have been able to collect some data, but as yet nothing really conclusive.
- We still have no conclusive proof that Walters was at the scene of the crime.
- Another investigation was launched, and this time it was conclusive.
- Grayling reckons that he has about another two years of research to do before he can come up with a conclusive report.
- If he has conclusive evidence of crimes, so be it.
- It was hoped that the negotiations would produce a preliminary drafting of a conclusive peace agreement.
- It wouldn't be accepted in a court as conclusive evidence.
- That is, there are facts that count for or against them, though none of these facts are conclusive.
- The evidence in respect of the fourth child pointed to possible abuse but was not conclusive.
Longman Language Activatorcertain or definite
· Computer prices will continue to fall - that's certain.it is certain (that) · Nobody knows exactly who built the manor, but it is certain that an architect called John Sturges supplied the drawings. almost certain · As the results came in, it was now almost certain that Ken Livingstone would be the new Mayor of London.certain death/failure/disaster etc · Ignoring all warnings, the general led his men to certain death.
if something is definite , it is certain because someone has officially stated that it will happen, is true etc: · I've got a good chance of getting the job, but it's not definite yet.· We have some statistics, but we really need something more definite before we can make any firm decisions.definite answer: · I don't know what time she's coming. She won't give me a definite answer.
: conclusive proof/evidence/argument etc proof etc that is certainly true and cannot be doubted: · We still have no conclusive proof that Walters was at the scene of the crime.· They have been able to collect some data, but as yet nothing really conclusive.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The investigation failed to provide any conclusive evidence.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
The investigation failed to provide any conclusive evidence. (=very strong evidence which cannot be disproved)· We need irrefutable evidence before making an arrest.· The government claims it has conclusive evidence of the country’s nuclear weapons programme.
(=definite proof)· There is no conclusive proof that your son is dead.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· But there's something else, something more conclusive to link them, but it's more puzzling, too.· The second experiment is still more conclusive.· The sad thing is that we could have got more conclusive results.
NOUN· But the absence of conclusive evidence on the extend and nature of the problem has unfortunately led to a mixed government response.· If he has conclusive evidence of crimes, so be it.· He may have done so, but conclusive evidence for this wider publishing role is lacking.· There is no conclusive evidence on this point, but scattered returns are suggestive.· This is hardly conclusive evidence for one theory or another.· Was that conclusive evidence that insanity was the salary of meddling with necromancy?· Modern econometric work has found no conclusive evidence for the existence of a liquidity trap.
· I stopped for a second and tried to think what my conclusive proof was.· Salt analysis will provide conclusive proof.· The procedure has not gained formal approval by the International Olympic Committee because it does not give conclusive proof of drug use.
WORD FAMILYadjectiveconcludingconclusive ≠ inconclusivenounconclusionverbconcludeadverbconclusively ≠ inconclusively
showing that something is definitely true OPP inconclusiveconclusive proof/evidence/findings etc The investigation failed to provide any conclusive evidence.—conclusively adverb