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

crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is often characterized as a unproductive fixation on an idealized past, one that prevents people from living in the present and planning for the future. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Houston currently leads the division but continues a major tailspin, particularly with an unproductive offense. Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Michael Penix The Falcons’ selection of Penix put the draft on tilt in 2024, but his play at the end of the season — replacing an immobile, unproductive Cousins as starter — showed the upside Atlanta was chasing with their surprise selection at No. 8 overall. Jake Ciely, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Freeman stole second base to get into scoring position, but Andy Pages and Alex Call struck out, extending the Dodgers’ unproductive night to 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unproductive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unproductive was circa 1676

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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!