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

Since dead worms aren’t nearly as effective at catching fish as fresh, plump, energetic wigglers, this may not be the most productive method for catching nightcrawlers for bait. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

Even during colonial times, governments often insisted that owners make productive use of real estate. —Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

After signing a three-year deal with the Panthers in 2022, Corbett had arguably his most productive NFL campaign at right guard. —Mike Kaye march 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

Selling off productive mothers is the ultimate sign of desperation. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 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