productive

adjective

pro·duc·tive | \ prə-ˈdək-tiv

, prō-\

Definition of productive

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

3a : 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

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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

Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "The Secret to Growing the Most Flavorful Eggplants," 27 July 2018 The Dolphins didn't go get a top-notch quarterback, instead waiting to see if Ryan Tannehill returns healthy and productive. — Dave Hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde5: Kiper, MMQB, NFL.com - drafniks analyze Dolphins picks," 29 Apr. 2018 Just another reminder of that mom-shaming is rarely helpful or productive. — Glamour, "Bekah Martinez's Breastfeeding Photo Brought Out The Mommy Shamers," 17 Apr. 2019 Enlightenment philosophers recognized that the crown, guild, church and village sometimes acted as rent-seekers stripping away the rewards for work, thrift and innovation, and in the process inhibiting productive effort and progress. — Phil Gramm And Michael Solon, WSJ, "Enemies of the Economic Enlightenment," 15 Apr. 2019 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau argued the opposite – that spending doesn’t necessarily equate to being productive member of NATO. — Meg Kelly, Washington Post, "Many fact checks later President Trump is (still) botching NATO spending," 13 July 2018 The group is all about fostering conversations that are insightful, informative, and productive. — Robert Khederian, Curbed, "The United States of Texas and California, a new Facebook group about the states’ big issues," 10 Aug. 2018 In Work Wife, Cerulo and Mazur explore how female partnerships in the office can lead to a more progressive, productive, and empowering workplace. — Samantha Leach, Glamour, "The Secret to Having the Best Relationship With Your Work Wife," 7 Mar. 2019 Adopting this shorthand ensures peak efficiency and organization a.k.a. a prettier, more productive BuJo. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "What Is a Bullet Journal? Everything You Need to Know Before You BuJo," 30 Jan. 2019

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