productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
prō-
1
: having the quality or power of producing especially in abundance
productive fishing waters
2
: effective in bringing about
investigating committees have been productive of much goodR. K. Carr
3
a
: yielding results, benefits, or profits
b
: yielding or devoted to the satisfaction of wants or the creation of utilities
4
: continuing to be used in the formation of new words or constructions
un- is a productive prefix
5
: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)
a productive cough
productively adverb
productiveness noun

Examples of productive in a Sentence

I had a very productive day. I am most productive in the morning. Some staff members are more productive than others.
Recent Examples on the Web His linemates will include young productive ends in Maxx Crosby, 26, and Malcolm Koonce. 25, who had 14.5 sacks and eight sacks last year, respectively. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 Long-term restrictions force token holders to weather the hype and its aftermath and to realize value by contributing to productive growth. Chris Dixon, Fortune, 10 Mar. 2024 But Rams general manager Les Snead must continue to find productive and cost-efficient players in the draft, which will be held April 25-27 in Detroit. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 By keeping a few helpful tips in mind — and, when the moments arise, in hand — any industry party can be professionally productive and filling. Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 Many countries in the developing world will seek to hedge, by establishing productive relations with both Russia and the United States. Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 Churches, developers like the plan To proponents in the religious community, House Bill 2815 could solve two problems: reducing obstacles to providing low-income housing for people who need it, and offering churches the chance to put their excess land to productive use. The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Start by engaging them in outlining key behaviors that will be important for the discussion to be productive. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Most workplace experts define a good company culture as having a positive and productive work environment. Lisa Bodell, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'productive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of productive was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near productive

Cite this Entry

“Productive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/productive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

productive

adjective
pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
1
: having the power to produce plentifully
productive soil
productive fishing waters
2
: producing something
efforts productive of much good
3
: giving results
a productive meeting
productively adverb
productiveness noun

Medical Definition

productive

adjective
pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv, prō- How to pronounce productive (audio)
: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)
a productive cough

More from Merriam-Webster on productive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!