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

• 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

More importantly, you're only charged for actual productive talk time, not training or after-call work. —Alex Levin, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Landry was among several front-seven defenders who had productive days, but few were as productive as him. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025

What sets me apart is my commitment to a new, respectful and non-partisan approach focused on productive discourse and real results for our community. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025

Even as his second season in the major leagues has not been as productive as his stellar rookie year, Merrill’s RBI double in the sixth inning last night improved his average to .313 with runners in scoring position. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

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