productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
prō-
Synonyms of productivenext
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

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
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.
Related’s other major development, the Shops at Columbus Circle, is situated in an area with a greater residential population, and is more productive. David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025 Conversely, 64% of executives said AI will help workers be more productive in their current jobs, while only 23% of the public agreed. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025 Employers often discriminate against people in recovery, which can also keep people who might otherwise be productive out of the labor force. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 In the game, Kelce only had one reception for eight yards marking his least-productive game of the season. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for productive

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of productive was in 1612

Cite this Entry

“Productive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/productive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

productive

adjective
pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
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- How to pronounce productive (audio)
: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)
a productive cough

More from Merriam-Webster on productive

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