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

This is the version of Banchero the Magic need; not just productive, but authoritative. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

The Valkyries brought in Australian point guard Miela Sowah and Greek center Mariella Fasoula, who were highly productive overseas and could push for a roster spot. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026

On Tuesday, Giants general manager Joe Schoen said the team was having productive talks with Lawrence's camp. —CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026

Look for heat- and drought-tolerant heirloom varieties like ‘Rattlesnake’ and ‘Mbombo’ that are still productive during dry conditions. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 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