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

When people feel safe expressing themselves openly and honestly, trust is strengthened on both sides, and collaboration becomes more productive. —Britney Porter, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Our 175 award-winning state parks, remote wildlife management areas and productive state forests provide recreation opportunities for the public; habitat for wildlife; clean, abundant water for our communities; and jobs for our economy; while helping serve as a firewall against sprawl. —Julie Wraithmell, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026

Porter, an Eastern Conference All-Star hopeful, has still been productive. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

In business, companies that develop their workforce’s brain capital will have stronger, more agile, and more productive workforces. —Bob Sternfels, Fortune, 22 Jan. 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