productivity

noun

pro·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌprō-dək-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce productivity (audio)
ˌprä-
prə-ˌdək-
Synonyms of productivity
1
: the quality or state of being productive
2
: the rate per unit area or per unit volume at which biomass consumable as food by other organisms is made by producers

Examples of productivity in a Sentence

The country has low agricultural productivity. The company is looking for ways to improve worker productivity. There has been an increase in productivity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The former may capture incremental productivity gains; the latter can build something structurally faster, leaner and more strategically valuable. Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Since 1979, net productivity has climbed roughly 90% while typical workers’ hourly pay has risen about 33%, according to Economic Policy Institute data—a gap advocates for shorter workweeks cite as part of the broader case for reform. Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026 Every day a role stays open means lost productivity and revenue, lower team morale and ongoing recruitment costs. Audrey Payne, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Other studies have found that remote work also increases productivity. Cordilia James, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for productivity

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of productivity was in 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Productivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/productivity. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

productivity

noun
pro·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty (ˌ)prō-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce productivity (audio)
ˌpräd-(ˌ)ək-
prə-ˌdək-
1
: the quality or state of being productive
2
: the rate of production at which food for other living things is made by living things that are producers

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