unproductive

adjective

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

Examples of unproductive in a Sentence

crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Cubs got rid of several unproductive bench players and are still in the process of overhauling the bullpen. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025 Restlessness, dissatisfaction or even unproductive attempts to reinsert themselves into their former workplace can result from this scenario. Michel Koopman, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 If measured by the number of bills signed into law, the 118th Congress was by far the most unproductive since at least the 1980s, according to data from public affairs firm Quorum. Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024 And as the current informal, borderline illicit NP model shows, there is a path to convincing profit-seeking employers to say yes to unproductive workers: revenue must at least cover direct costs. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near unproductive

Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

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