1
as in barren
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation
crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsuccessful
producing no results
her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unproductive
However, when taken too far, placating an unproductive relationship can lead to a loss of the core values of the mission.
—
Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
Employees at every level should feel comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles without fear of being labeled unproductive or incapable.
—Mindi Cox, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The sources said that although neither the US nor Iran wants to leave the negotiating table, the position of the US is making the talks unproductive and formal meetings are unlikely to continue much longer.
—Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His only unproductive at-bat was in the sixth, when he was rung up looking on a low pitch out of the zone.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
Employees at every level should feel comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles without fear of being labeled unproductive or incapable.
—Mindi Cox, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The sources said that although neither the US nor Iran wants to leave the negotiating table, the position of the US is making the talks unproductive and formal meetings are unlikely to continue much longer.
—Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His only unproductive at-bat was in the sixth, when he was rung up looking on a low pitch out of the zone.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive
Adjective
-
Richards’ finish saved the U.S. in what was otherwise a listless appearance in front of a barren home crowd at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
Transatlantic flights from northern Europe — London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Copenhagen — routinely cross the southern half of the island, the bright, barren ice sheet often visible for up to an hour of cruising speed.—
Morten Høi Jensen,
The Dial,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Barca even took a legal case against the regulations to a Catalan court but were unsuccessful.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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Their efforts were unsuccessful, paving the way for Read's retrial this spring.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Construction sites and other workplaces have been desolate.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
15 June 2025
-
Her 12-day flight included crossing the rugged Ural Mountains and desolate Siberian wastes, while navigating with only a map and compass.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The researchers said their findings should not suggest afforestation and carbon offsetting are futile.—
Hayley Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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And beneath that fear lies a corrosive belief that resistance is futile.—
Elisa Manfredini,
Time,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
In Zimbabwe, the Catholic Church operates about 100 schools, ranging from dozens in impoverished areas where annual tuition is as low as $150 to elite boarding schools that can charge thousands of dollars.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Some government functions were eviscerated, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, which had provided a lifeline for impoverished people around the world.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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However, disciplined conduct on the part of the activists and the intervention of other bystanders renders the attacks useless.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
-
Pine needles mixed with all the other fine debris rendered the guards useless.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars.—
Dia Gallo,
Parents,
17 June 2025
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Due to poor cell reception in the area, 911 calls kept dropping as witnesses scrambled to reach first responders.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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This anti-waste brand upcycles materials, and was founded by Kisa Sky Shiga.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2022
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Fanning out like urban guerrillas through Paris’ darkened streets well after midnight, the anti-waste activists shinny up walls and drain pipes, reaching for switches to turn off the lights. Click.—
The Christian Science Monitor,
The Christian Science Monitor,
3 Aug. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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