productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv 

prō-

1

: having the quality or power of producing especially in abundance

productive fishing waters

2

: effective in bringing about

… investigating committees have been productive of much good …

—R. K. Carr

3

a

: yielding results, benefits, or profits

b

: yielding or devoted to the satisfaction of wants or the creation of utilities

4

: continuing to be used in the formation of new words or constructions

un- is a productive prefix

5

: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)

a productive cough

productively adverb

productiveness noun

Synonyms of productive

• creative
• constructive

Examples of productive in a Sentence

I had a very productive day.

I am most productive in the morning.

Some staff members are more productive than others.

Recent Examples on the Web

The real question is where saving is generated, where investment takes place, and whether cross-border capital flows are productive and sustainable. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

So many of our unhoused hold jobs, send their children to school, and try their hardest to live productive lives. —Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026

The Moon in Aquarius moves through your 11th House and trines Venus in Gemini, making collaboration and group energy unusually productive. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Manager Dave Roberts continues to marvel at the veteran of 17 seasons who is willing to make whatever change is necessary to remain a productive hitter. —Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing productive

• hyper-productive

Rhymes for productive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: having the power to produce plentifully

productive soil

productive fishing waters

2

: producing something

efforts productive of much good

3

: giving results

a productive meeting

productively adverb

productiveness noun

Medical Definition

productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv, prō- 

: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)

a productive cough