Synonyms of productivenext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was projected as a late-round draft pick in 2026, and another productive season, along with further development in the SEC, could boost his chances for a lasting NFL career starting in 2027. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Jackson Woodard, an inside linebacker who spent time on Miami’s practice squad last season, continues to hold an elevated role because of all the injuries in his unit, and had yet another productive day. Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Joveljic, a popular and productive forward, scored 26 goals in 52 appearances over a year and a half at the club. Tom Bogert, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 But not all robotics researchers are convinced that humanoid robots are necessary, especially when the most useful robots currently doing productive work usually come in other shapes and sizes. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for productive

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of productive was in 1612

Cite this Entry

“Productive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/productive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

productive

adjective
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
: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)
a productive cough
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