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 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 Whether voiced obviously or subtly, information about health concerns, for example, can bring up certain unproductive mental pictures. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 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
  • Now that he’s strayed out of his comfort zone, Skino comes across sluggish and barren.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Once-barren lots have been excavated to lay foundations for apartments, roadways and restaurants.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • Political horse-trading among Jewish parties to form a ruling coalition could take several months and, if unsuccessful, lead to a new election.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2026
  • At 18, Olivia Madden has been forced to move from London with her father, Peter, an unsuccessful, poor actor, and his companion, Martin, a World War I veteran.
    — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • The road that leads to the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is long and desolate.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As filmmakers, they were drawn to the unexpected beauty of the desolate, postindustrial landscape.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • This meant that the negotiating parties had reached a deadlock beyond which further discussion would be futile.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • The impoverished Reds work as slave labor in the mines of Mars, while the super-strong Golds rule the solar system and war on each other.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors accuse him of participating in schemes to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Venezuelan government programs intended to provide housing, food and other necessities to the country’s impoverished population.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • Of course, creativity is useless without financial support to back it up.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Throw in most sideline reporting and coach interviews, completely useless.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • Disease that has spread to those organs is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • They were frustrated with teacher shortages and poor conditions at schools, including overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings.
    — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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