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 Around 350 residents turned up a few weeks ago to an informational meeting about the center that quickly turned loud, disruptive and unproductive. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 Murray, on the other hand, heard some mild rounds of boos as the unproductive possessions began to pile up. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 The unit has been unproductive defending the run and bitten hard by the injury bug. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Story’s unproductive 10 rehab games with Triple-A Worcester, coupled with the rise of top prospect Franklin Arias, a shortstop raking at Triple A, created an echo chamber of angst about Story returning and underperforming. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 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
  • Away from the shore, the tundra is barren, a broad expanse of moss, lichen, and exposed rock.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • After five years in development at Retro Studios, the original makers of the Metroid Prime series, fans were greeted with annoying side characters, a bike for Samus to roam the barren landscape on, and a deeply unsatisfying ending.
    — Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • Infantino has faced opposition since his unsuccessful attempt in July to bring private investors into a new FIFA commercial entity holding rights linked to competitions including the World Cup.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Cruz said that the dismissal of the rising cost of living led Republicans to be unsuccessful this election cycle.
    — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • From desolate deserts to cut-off civilisations, wild and remote destinations are emerging as the places travellers will be talking about most in 2027.
    — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The road that leads to the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is long and desolate.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • The motives and rooting interest are uncomplicated and impossible to misinterpret, and each straightforward emotional beat is delivered with such sincere and amplified force that resistance is futile.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Gina seems committed to another Heather takedown, no matter how futile those efforts are.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • The United Nations says more than 1,600 people have been killed and more than 300,000 displaced since fighting resumed in the impoverished country.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The white South African group governed the nation for decades under a brutal system of segregation known as apartheid, which kept the Black majority an impoverished underclass until the system was dismantled in 1994.
    — Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • New, unrelated health problems may still be covered A pre-existing condition doesn't necessarily make pet insurance useless, however.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The umbrella was quickly rendered useless as the winds were blowing hard.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • Nearby residents have argued that the large apartment complex will be a poor fit for their neighborhood, citing concerns about traffic congestion and fire department access, among other things.
    — Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Lions’ high-flying offense is at its best on turf, not nearly as fast on grass, and their poor red zone defense has been an issue.
    — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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