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

TikTok creators Brigette and Danielle Pheloung — best known for their viral blowout technique, productive morning routines and buzzy partnerships with Tarte, Tory Burch and Michael Kors — are taking their talents offline to launch their first fashion brand, Phe Phe. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Rosario said the early dunks set the tone for his 25 productive minutes. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025

But that doesn’t take away that coming to an office is the best way to kind of be productive and to move forward. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Should scouts have been impressed that Boozer was productive despite a bad game against a tough defensive opponent? —Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

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