productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
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 goodR. 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 Much has been written about how artificial intelligence (AI) in its various forms can help consumers get the most out of their software and become more productive. Jae Sook Evans, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Fortunately, this looks like a relatively productive period for getting organized. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Nov. 2023 Fresno State has been very productive offensively this season when Keene’s on his game, averaging 31 points (41st in the nation) with a pass-heavy attack producing 280.6 passing yards a game. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2023 So is trying to maintain a normal schedule and stay productive. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 17 Nov. 2023 Overall, the tenor of the meeting was respectful and productive, according to an individual familiar with the call. Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023 But those teams were playing backup quarterbacks and featured offenses that have not been especially productive. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 Any Desk with a Stylish Tree Lamp Create a peaceful and productive workspace with the desk lamp. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023 Simultaneously, cognitive reframing empowers individuals to reshape their perception of family interactions, paving the way for more positive and productive experiences. Chanda Reynolds, Essence, 15 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'productive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of productive was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near productive

Cite this Entry

“Productive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/productive. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

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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