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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unproductive
This process helps avoid unproductive drilling by using satellite signals, ground measurements, and geologic models to guide early decisions.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025
As Foot Locker’s fourth-quarter gross margin is anticipated to drop by 1,000 to 1,500 basis points, the company is looking to get rid of unproductive assets.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
That means clearing out unproductive inventory, closing underperforming stores and rightsizing assets that don’t align with Dick’s go-forward vision for the Foot Locker business.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
The power play also had another unproductive day, going goalless in three extra-man opportunities.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 26 Nov. 2025
As Foot Locker’s fourth-quarter gross margin is anticipated to drop by 1,000 to 1,500 basis points, the company is looking to get rid of unproductive assets.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
That means clearing out unproductive inventory, closing underperforming stores and rightsizing assets that don’t align with Dick’s go-forward vision for the Foot Locker business.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
The power play also had another unproductive day, going goalless in three extra-man opportunities.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive
Adjective
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In the 19th century, guano miners razed the place, removing most of the topsoil and leaving behind barren rock.—
Susan Casey,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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The next two teams on this list find themselves in eerily similar situations, from barren rosters to enviable cap space to hope at the quarterback position.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The 49ers went three and out on their next two possessions and were unsuccessful on throws outside the numbers after hitting the middle of the field with three completions on the scoring drive.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Efforts to find footage of what happened on social media and through surveillance cameras have been unsuccessful.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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After the twinkling lights of the holiday season have been packed away, winter can feel downright dull and desolate, especially for families with energetic kids trapped inside by the cold.—
Erica Jackson Curran,
Parents,
11 Jan. 2026
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Man on Fire tells the story of John Creasy, a high-functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Their effort to find a home in Overtown seemed futile until Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who grew up in Liberty City, conceived a brilliant idea.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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But the rally felt less threatening than futile.—
Zach Fisch,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The United States must step away from war and send food to Venezuela’s impoverished people.—
William Lambers,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
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Leaning into the superstition that someone with albinism can bring wealth to those in need, Panay’s story follows a young boy with albinism (Boubacar Dembèlè), whose voice is believed to hold special powers that can protect impoverished miners risking their lives for gold.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Brown’s statement on Monday was mostly useless corporate-speak.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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This tiny amount of copper acts as a molecular steering wheel, preventing sugar molecules from shattering into useless carbon dioxide.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
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In recent games, KU’s communication has been pretty poor on defense and that’s led to players taking (and too often missing) wide-open 3-pointers.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Local laws and supplier audits The OECD has called on Shein to publish further public information about its compliance with France’s anti-waste law (AGEC), which aims to move businesses toward greater circularity.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
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This anti-waste brand upcycles materials, and was founded by Kisa Sky Shiga.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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