unproductive

adjective

ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce unproductive (audio)
Definition of unproductivenext
1
as in barren
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsuccessful
producing no results her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unproductive Starmer, a stellar lawyer before entering politics in 2015, failed to inspire or articulate a convincing plan to revive a country held back by creaking, unreformed public infrastructure and an unproductive economy. — Toby Helm, Time, 27 June 2026 Barriers to a meaningful life As digital natives, Gen Zers are aware of their attachment to screens, with more than half citing their unproductive use of technology as a significant barrier to developing a meaningful life. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 Your kindness and understanding have enabled your son to continue his unproductive and unhealthy lifestyle, which isn’t good for any of you. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 Unfortunately, sometimes the brain is too efficient, leading us to cling to false information and unproductive habits while ignoring information that could clearly benefit us. — Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive
  1. barren
  2. unsuccessful
  3. desolate
  4. futile
  5. impoverished
  6. useless
  7. poor
  8. waste
Adjective
  • The primary targets are obvious; pitchers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Michael King could be deployed to replenish a largely barren farm system.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • In many cases, trees that in years past have been filled with fruit are this year barren.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • The attack was unsuccessful, as Gwayne jumped to his nephew’s rescue in time, which only resulted in a couple of deaths and Ormund projectile vomiting at the smell.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
  • Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Grace Nuñez said that its first responders attempted lifesaving efforts for two patients but were unsuccessful.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 26 July 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • The Gwi Realm is a desolate, crimson wasteland littered with malevolent presence, so naturally there have been comparisons to that other little Netflix show called Stranger Things.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • However desolate Mars may appear from afar, there is certainly no shortage of activity on its surface — or discoveries still waiting to be made.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • However, year after year, predicting Preller’s midsummer machinations has proved a largely futile endeavor.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Now an Oda envoy and renowned strategist named Kanbei Kuroda (Masaki Suda) has come to Murashige’s fortress to convince him that resistance is futile.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • But for those who don’t see the unhoused, impoverished or vulnerable as human, deserving of rights or even life, Heimbach has some advice.
    — Trevor Morgan, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • Lama finished high school thanks to a government scholarship for impoverished students.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • But from how the thudding steps gained on me, my efforts were useless.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The wrong answer, no matter how inexpensive or how fast it has been delivered, is useless.
    — Bruce Kelley, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • Headline figures such as tasks completed, queries handled or hours saved can look impressive while concealing errors, rework, poor customer outcomes and escalating operating expenses.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Habits like poor sleep, heavy drinking and smoking often make things worse, and work pressure, financial strain and caring for aging parents can compound the effects.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • Recycling and anti-waste advocates counter that regulators weakened the law with exemptions and carve-outs that could undermine its environmental goals.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
  • Shards of glass and ceramic, rusted metal, medical and bio-waste, syringes, cracked circuit boards, and broken electronics protruded everywhere.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of waste

Browse Nearby Words

unprocessed
unproductive
unprofessional
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Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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