nonproductive

adjective

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non·pro·duc·tive | \ ˌnän-prə-ˈdək-tiv

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 sense 3a

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Examples of nonproductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Patients have what appear to be the typical symptoms of Covid-19: a nonproductive cough, chest tightness, and in some cases some mild gastrointestinal symptoms — usually nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. — Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2020 The highways will be crowded with hunters, but waiting until the following weekend of Oct. 26-27 might be nonproductive. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Oct. 2019 Tomatoes may grow through the summer, and a few, like cherry tomatoes, set a few fruits but most are nonproductive. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, 7 July 2018 Buffett said cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are nonproductive assets similar to gold. — Josh Funk, BostonGlobe.com, 8 May 2018 Several participants had prepared a statement on what should be done with these nonproductive members of society. — Nan Randall, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2018 Remove the nonproductive rhizomes in the center, and carefully break apart the clump. — Karen Dardick, sandiegouniontribune.com, 19 Oct. 2017 State media in Russia have carried reports in recent days that Moscow is considering downgrading its diplomatic representation to NATO to protest against what Russian officials see as nonproductive dialogue with Brussels. — Julian E. Barnes, WSJ, 13 July 2017 The economy has stalled because too much wealth is being generated in nonproductive activity, hoarded to preserve for the rich all the things government no longer provides. — Gideon Lewis-kraus, New York Times, 23 July 2016

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.