unproductive

adjective

un·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce unproductive (audio)
-prō-
: not effective in bringing something about : not yielding results, benefits, or profits : not productive
unproductive meetings
unproductive strategies
unproductive workers

Examples of unproductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The military-industrial complex has become the overwhelming driver of this unhealthy and unproductive economy, as the 2024 budget makes clear: military expenditures will be 1.7 times higher even compared with last year’s inflated figures, to reach 25 percent of all spending. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2024 Gallagher defended his track record, dismissing Giardino’s criticisms as unrealistic and unproductive expectations for a busy court. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2024 If their missions are unauthorized, and unproductive, these troops should be evacuated rather than left to sit out as local targets or to be used as easy steps up the escalation ladder for our enemies. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024 Ignoring that and the factors that drive cooperation as well as competition lead to a cardboard caricature society that is both unjust and unproductive. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2024 For example, constant notifications and the addictive nature of various apps can lead to excessive and unproductive phone usage, negatively affecting time management. Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024 The Court of Criminal Appeals has been rocked with numerous, highly public controversies often centered on its current presiding judge, has been seen by many as unfair, unproductive and result oriented. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 Her early sessions with Grace are unproductive and combative. Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Both were just starting to heat up and provide production from a largely unproductive bench. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unproductive.' 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

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unproductive was circa 1676

Dictionary Entries Near unproductive

Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unproductive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!