unproductive

adjective

un·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

-prō-

: not effective in bringing something about : not yielding results, benefits, or profits : not productive

unproductive meetings

unproductive strategies

unproductive workers

Synonyms of unproductive

• barren
• desolate
• impoverished
• poor
• waste
• bleak

Examples of unproductive in a Sentence

crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive

her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive

Recent Examples on the Web

Other experts have concluded that, for most people, multitasking is an unproductive myth. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2025

This process helps avoid unproductive drilling by using satellite signals, ground measurements, and geologic models to guide early decisions. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025

As Foot Locker’s fourth-quarter gross margin is anticipated to drop by 1,000 to 1,500 basis points, the company is looking to get rid of unproductive assets. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

That means clearing out unproductive inventory, closing underperforming stores and rightsizing assets that don’t align with Dick’s go-forward vision for the Foot Locker business. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unproductive

• deconstructive
• nondestructive
• nonproductive
• reconstructive
• reproductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive