NONPRODUCTIVE Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

nonproductive

adjective

Definition of nonproductive

as in worthless

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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 North Dakota adopted a bill last year requiring a legislative council to study the feasibility of using nonproductive wells to generate geothermal power. — Maria Gallucci, Wired News, 16 May 2026 Returning nonproductive properties to the tax rolls, creating jobs and boosting the quality of life are only some of the benefits of redeveloping troubled properties. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonproductive

Adjective

But there is an enormous difference between asking your allies to shoulder more responsibility and telling them that your promise to defend them might be worthless.

— Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Mild unease gave way to statements about being worthless, unloved, and a failure.

— Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of worthless

Adjective

The Financial Times reported last month that Anthropic’s and OpenAI’s IPO advisers were lobbying credit-rating agencies for blue-chip status, which would be almost unheard-of for companies as unprofitable as both AI labs are.

— Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Screening revenue was up 24% in its most recent quarter, though the company is still unprofitable.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of unprofitable

Adjective

But when Cook finally got his turn in the 2024 season, the run game was mostly unproductive despite the flashes Cook showed during the offseason.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Too often, the vision is not clear, which causes leaders to have to micromanage and check in more often, which can lead to unproductive employees.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of unproductive

Adjective

Dean Riley, 62, was pronounced dead at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, according to the coroner’s office.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
While not all lawsuits filed against small businesses are valid, even an unsuccessful lawsuit can cause major business disruptions and result in costly legal fees.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Adjective

And so, as different as the two exercises are, this latestStanford Prison Experiment becomes as pointless as the first one.

— Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Given the inherent volatility and randomness of postseason baseball, trying to draw permanent or predictive conclusions from small sample size outcomes is ultimately pointless.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pointless

Adjective

Throw in most sideline reporting and coach interviews, completely useless.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Simply put, the satellite connection would allow Russian operators to steer drones and missiles directly, rendering useless the electronic-warfare network Ukraine has built across the country to jam them.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of useless

Adjective

Smith’s work on Good Will Hunting came immediately after an intervention planned by some friends — including Bolme, Garry, and Gust — that ended in an abortive rehab stint.

— Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Primus could easily have been a blip, one of many abortive major label risks in a decade when the industry was swimming in cash.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of abortive

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

Definition of unavailing

Browse Nearby Words

nonproblems

nonproductive

nonprofessional

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“Nonproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonproductive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonproductive

adjective

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