Word
reproductive
Phoneticsre·pro·duc·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹipɹəˈdəktɪv/
UK/ɹɪpɹədˈʌktɪv/
Definitions
01biological process
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. relating to the process of producing babies or young animals.
adj. relating to the biological process of procreation or the organs involved in producing offspring.
“The doctor explained how the human reproductive system works during the biology lesson.”
“The research paper examines the impact of environmental pollutants on the reproductive health of local fish populations.”
Usage
Often used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'system', 'organs', or 'health'.
Synonyms
02capable of reproducing
C1 · Advanced Science Academic
adj. able to produce offspring or new versions of something.
adj. capable of reproduction or tending to reproduce.
“The plant reaches its reproductive stage after two years of growth.”
“The study tracked the reproductive success of various migratory birds across different nesting habitats.”
03an organism
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a member of a group of insects, like ants or bees, that can have babies.
n. an individual organism, particularly within a social insect colony, that is capable of reproduction.
“In a termite colony, the reproductives are the only ones with wings.”
“The colony produces winged reproductives that leave the nest to establish new populations elsewhere during the swarming season.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reproductive” in context.
Adjective
01. reproductive organ
“The flower's reproductive organ is protected by its petals.”
adj + noun
02. reproductive success
“Biologists measure reproductive success by the number of offspring that survive to adulthood.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Yet sometimes that felt like pretending your reproductive system didn’t really exist, or that you should simply push through the more difficult, painful aspects.” “Hansen has started a campaign through her health awareness organisation HEDUCA for a wellbeing hub in Medway, specifically for women's and girls' reproductive conditions.” Etymology
From re- + productive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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