Word
unproductive
Phoneticsun·pro·duc·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənpɹəˈdəktɪv/
UK/ʌnpɹədˈʌktɪv/
Definition
adj. not producing good results or doing enough work. You use this to describe a person, a meeting, or a period of time where nothing useful happens.
adj. failing to produce a desired result or a significant amount of output. Often used to describe labor, land, or professional activities that do not yield profit or progress.
Examples
“The meeting was unproductive and we made no decisions.”
“After three hours of unproductive debate, the committee decided to postpone the vote until more data was available.”
“Economists warned that an unproductive workforce could lead to long-term stagnation, as the lack of innovation prevents the industry from competing on a global scale.”
Examples
simple
“The meeting was unproductive and we made no decisions.”
contextual
“After three hours of unproductive debate, the committee decided to postpone the vote until more data was available.”
complex
“Economists warned that an unproductive workforce could lead to long-term stagnation, as the lack of innovation prevents the industry from competing on a global scale.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'.
Pitfall
He is very unproductively
He is very unproductive
Learners sometimes use the adverb form after a linking verb instead of the adjective.
Real-World Examples
“As more cells enter this unproductive state, fewer remain available to carry out the liver's normal work.” Etymology
From un- + productive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unproductive