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

• 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

Now, more than ever, the interactions—sometimes bordering on unproductive conflict—between different generations, shaped by different educations, study paths and historical contexts, risk becoming a missed opportunity. —Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

An unproductive offense has been the biggest drag on the Padres’ attempts to challenge the Dodgers in the division over the past month. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 20 June 2025

Some of what’s ailed McDavid can be laid at the feet of a power play that’s been mostly unproductive in the series. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 June 2025

That said, the 31-year-old first baseman been unproductive the entire season. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 June 2025

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