unproductive

adjective

un·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce unproductive (audio)
-prō-
Synonyms of unproductive
: not effective in bringing something about : not yielding results, benefits, or profits : not productive
unproductive meetings
unproductive strategies
unproductive workers

Synonyms of unproductive

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Examples of unproductive in a Sentence

crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive
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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.
But when Cook finally got his turn in the 2024 season, the run game was mostly unproductive despite the flashes Cook showed during the offseason. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Too often, the vision is not clear, which causes leaders to have to micromanage and check in more often, which can lead to unproductive employees. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 As China undergoes a prolonged market reset, luxury players are closing unproductive stores, exploring untapped regional markets and unlocking differentiated crowds with pop-up formats. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unproductive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unproductive was circa 1676

Rhymes for unproductive

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Browse Nearby Words

unproduced
unproductive
unproductive consumption
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Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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