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

Now, the Hoosiers have turned to Hoover, who demonstrated a strong passing ability and was productive over the past few years at TCU. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026

That may prove reasonable if store openings remain productive, franchisees continue earning strong returns, and same-store sales hold up. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

The change has coincided with more distrust of the page’s administrators who are tasked with maintaining a productive and civil dialogue on the site. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Craig is slightly less productive of a thrower than Hoover, but makes up for it with his ability to extend plays and avoid turnovers. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 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