Unproductive
/ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot resulting in the creation of goods or services; failing to achieve the desired outcome; not fruitful.
/ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪv/
Not yielding or capable of producing something, especially results or benefits.
The unproductive negotiations led to a standstill in the peace talks.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a Lego castle, but you keep getting distracted and nothing gets built. That's unproductive! It means you're not getting anything done.
👶 For kids: When something is unproductive, it means it's not making or doing anything good.
More Examples
The company's unproductive marketing campaign failed to attract new customers.
He found himself trapped in an unproductive cycle of procrastination.
How It's Used
"The meeting was deemed unproductive as no decisions were made."
"The land was unproductive and yielded little crop."
"She spent an unproductive day browsing social media."
Not yielding economic output, profit, or benefit.
/ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪv/
Not generating or capable of generating economic value.
The company's unproductive assets were sold off to reduce overhead.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to sell lemonade, but nobody buys it. That's unproductive for your little business. It means your effort isn't making any money.
👶 For kids: If something isn't helping you make money or do something that makes money, it's unproductive.
More Examples
They chose to invest in more productive areas, avoiding unproductive ventures.
The research project was deemed unproductive, as it failed to generate any useful results.
How It's Used
"Unproductive investments can lead to financial losses."
"The factory's machines had become unproductive, requiring expensive repairs."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
unproductive time
Time spent that does not lead to any useful or valuable result.
"He felt guilty about spending so much unproductive time on social media."
unproductive efforts
Actions that do not produce desired outcomes or results.
"After months of unproductive efforts, they decided to change their strategy."
From 'un-' (not) + 'productive', from Late Latin *prōdūctīvus*, from *prōdūcere* (to lead forth, produce), from *pro-* (forth) + *dūcere* (to lead).
The word 'unproductive' has been in use since the early 17th century, initially in agricultural contexts, referring to land that did not yield crops.
Memory tip
Think of a factory line that isn't producing anything: unproductive.
Word Origin
"to lead forth (produce)"