productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv 

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 good

—R. 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

Synonyms

• constructive
• formative

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

Not every conversation can lead to a productive dialogue. —Carine Harb, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Rapid digital transformation, and a maturing population of digital-natives, have created a productive environment for financial technology innovation. —Stephen Bohanon, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

As for his receivers, Shakir was magnificent with five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown and drew a 34-yard pass interference on fourth-and-15 with 1:18 to play while Cooper had his most productive game as a Bill with six receptions for 96 yards. —Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

And research suggests that scholars in academic marriages are no less (but also no more) productive, in terms of publications, than those who are not. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing productive

• hyper-productive

Kids Definition

productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv 

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- 

: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)

a productive cough