unproductive

adjective

un·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

-prō-

: not effective in bringing something about : not yielding results, benefits, or profits : not productive

unproductive meetings

unproductive strategies

unproductive workers

Synonyms of unproductive

• barren
• desolate
• impoverished
• poor
• waste
• bleak

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

Alex Freeland endured an unproductive spring but still made his first-ever Opening Day roster and has found a sounding board in Betts, the 2018 American League MVP. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026

After an unproductive call with Caroline's belligerent husband (Ronald Bronstein), Linda gives the child to the police. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026

But the tone, substance, and other conclusions that characterize the piece are irresponsible, and unproductive. —Neil Chilson, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

Tens of thousands of unproductive and unplugged oil wells have been abandoned across California — many of which continue to leak potentially explosive methane or toxic benzene. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unproductive

• deconstructive
• nondestructive
• nonproductive
• reconstructive
• reproductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive