nonproductive

Definition of nonproductivenext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nonproductive Pruning also thins nonproductive stems, allowing light to reach the interior of the tree and ripen the fruit. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 The key is refusing to engage in circular or baiting conversations, instead setting boundaries and exiting nonproductive conversations. Angela Haupt, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 Course of trade in the oil industry often leaves the public on the hook for nonproductive well cleanup costs, including capping. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Buoyed by the early promise of its Dravet therapeutic, the company developed a second drug candidate, STK-002, that similarly targets splicing to turn nonproductive gene transcripts into constructive ones. Elie Dolgin, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2023 Remove all twiggy, dead or nonproductive growth. oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonproductive
Adjective
  • The conventional newsgathering institutions have been worthless in getting to the bottom of anything, especially the billion-dollar why question.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Google, ChatGPT, Alexa and every other AI toy are all equally worthless here.
    Mac Engel March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But no one likes an unprofitable company.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Federal health officials on Monday laid out a proposal to spur development of customized treatments for patients with hard-to-treat diseases, including for rare genetic conditions that the pharmaceutical industry has long considered unprofitable.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones will be 32 next season, and an injury to rising 2025 second-round pick Omarr Norman-Lott put the Chiefs in an untenable spot last year while having to rely on unproductive veterans.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • But the tone, substance, and other conclusions that characterize the piece are irresponsible, and unproductive.
    Neil Chilson, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
  • There is some hope within the organization that Blackburn can follow a path similar to the one that Luke Weaver took, as the ex-Yank transitioned from an unsuccessful starter to a high-leverage reliever while making relatively little money with the team.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, the moment felt pointless.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The end result is a cultured information of markets that supports thoughtful techniques, reliable forecasting and knowledgeable positioning without pointless complexity.
    Ascend Agency, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Generative AI in medicine is neither universally embraced as perfect nor completely dismissed as useless.
    Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Computer nerds who’ve never left their basements and mama’s cooking are trying, and have taken over the sport with useless numbers, or analytics.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In October, the Miami Herald reported on abortive negotiations — also involving Qatar — in which Rodríguez proposed leading a transitional government if Maduro agreed to step aside and retire to a prearranged safe haven.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The social media profiles of some Moran personnel also show they were linked to Wagner, which was effectively liquidated after its then boss Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an abortive revolt in Russia in 2023.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • On Saturday, Durant reaffirmed his stance that the question of his and other superstars’ effort was an unavailing narrative to explore every February.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The position advanced by the states is legally unavailing as a matter of longstanding and well-established law.
    WSJ, WSJ, 25 July 2018

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonproductive. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonproductive

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!

More from Merriam-Webster