UNPRODUCTIVE Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

unproductive

adjective

ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv

Definition of unproductive

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

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 As Simón gathered the ball, Mbappé simply ran up and jumped on him, much as a small boy might assault his older brother, in meaningless and unproductive rage, for refusing to share an ice cream. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 The Chinese variant actually stimulates economic activity as corrupt officials sell the rights to monetize unproductive state assets to private enterprises. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 As plants age, cut back unproductive canes to the ground and train new young shoots to take their place. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unproductive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive

Adjective

Others were more barren, with dusty volcanic rocks and jagged cliffs surrounding secluded turquoise coves.

— Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Over two years, these top spenders expanded their overall staff by 10% and boosted entry-level hiring by 12%, defying other reports that college graduates face a barren job market.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of barren

Adjective

Steyer, a Democratic billionaire who spent more than $215 million of his own money in his unsuccessful bid for governor, took fire from rivals for paying content creators.

— Sophie Austin, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Multiple attempts by Star reporters to contact McGee Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.

— Ilana Arougheti Updated August 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Adjective

In July 1991, Gerard Dorsey was gunned down in an alley off North Brice Street in a desolate West Baltimore alley.

— Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of desolate

Adjective

Doors and windows are rendered unopenable by some outside force; attempts to break the glass prove likewise futile.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
The Chargers’ search for an impactful ground game has been futile since Gordon ran for the last of his career high in yards.

— Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of futile

Adjective

Since then, the military have kept her exact whereabouts and condition secret as a deadly civil war has engulfed much of the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of impoverished

Adjective

Houston Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell took a useless jog around the bases in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Of course, what's worth the money for one person may be completely useless to someone else, regardless of the cost.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of useless

Adjective

But tensions have opened up between data center boosters and some community organizations that want to see more jobs and economic benefits go to local residents, especially predominantly poor Hispanic farm and food processing workers.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Conventional wisdom usually attributes those failures to changing markets, disruptive competitors, or poor leadership.

— Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 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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“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unproductive

adjective

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