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.
Adebayo, 29, has spent his entire NBA career with the Heat since being drafted by the organization in 2017, establishing himself as one of the most productive and accomplished players in franchise history. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 That two-way dialogue also makes meetings more productive, harnessing the same creativity and brainstorming energy marketing teams need to solve real problems. — Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 That statement served primarily to announce the end of the Swift mission after more than 20 very productive years. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Ross Stores is becoming more productive under new CEO James Conroy, which should help boost its stock, according to UBS. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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