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nonproductive

adjective non·pro·duc·tive \ ˌnän-prə-ˈdək-tiv \
Updated on: 12 May 2018
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Definition of nonproductive

: not productive: such as
a : failing to produce or yield : unproductive
  • a nonproductive oil well
b : not directly concerned with production
  • the nonproductive labor of clerks and inspectors
c of a cough : dry 3a
—

nonproductiveness

noun

See nonproductive defined for kids

Recent Examples of nonproductive from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonproductive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of nonproductive

1830

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

nonproductive

adjective non·pro·duc·tive \ -prə-ˈdək-tiv \

medical Definition of nonproductive

of a cough
: not effective in raising mucus or exudate from the respiratory tract : dry 2

Learn More about nonproductive

  1. See words that rhyme with nonproductive Spanish Central: Translation of nonproductive Nglish: Translation of nonproductive for Spanish speakers

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