unproductive

adjective

ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce unproductive (audio)
Definition of unproductivenext
1
as in barren
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsuccessful
producing no results her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unproductive Murray, on the other hand, heard some mild rounds of boos as the unproductive possessions began to pile up. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 The unit has been unproductive defending the run and bitten hard by the injury bug. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Story’s unproductive 10 rehab games with Triple-A Worcester, coupled with the rise of top prospect Franklin Arias, a shortstop raking at Triple A, created an echo chamber of angst about Story returning and underperforming. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Whether voiced obviously or subtly, information about health concerns, for example, can bring up certain unproductive mental pictures. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive
  1. barren
  2. unsuccessful
  3. desolate
  4. futile
  5. impoverished
  6. useless
  7. poor
  8. waste
Adjective
  • These bright spots in an otherwise barren season for curve representation weren’t necessarily novel.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Research into turning Martian dust into material that supports plant growth highlights how much work remains to make barren planetary materials useful for agriculture.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of barren
Adjective
  • Dean Riley, 62, was pronounced dead at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, according to the coroner’s office.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • While not all lawsuits filed against small businesses are valid, even an unsuccessful lawsuit can cause major business disruptions and result in costly legal fees.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • The road that leads to the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is long and desolate.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As filmmakers, they were drawn to the unexpected beauty of the desolate, postindustrial landscape.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of desolate
Adjective
  • This meant that the negotiating parties had reached a deadlock beyond which further discussion would be futile.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • The impoverished Reds work as slave labor in the mines of Mars, while the super-strong Golds rule the solar system and war on each other.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors accuse him of participating in schemes to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from Venezuelan government programs intended to provide housing, food and other necessities to the country’s impoverished population.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of impoverished
Adjective
  • Throw in most sideline reporting and coach interviews, completely useless.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Simply put, the satellite connection would allow Russian operators to steer drones and missiles directly, rendering useless the electronic-warfare network Ukraine has built across the country to jam them.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • Disease that has spread to those organs is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • They were frustrated with teacher shortages and poor conditions at schools, including overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings.
    — James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • Recycling and anti-waste advocates counter that regulators weakened the law with exemptions and carve-outs that could undermine its environmental goals.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
  • Shards of glass and ceramic, rusted metal, medical and bio-waste, syringes, cracked circuit boards, and broken electronics protruded everywhere.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of waste

Browse Nearby Words

unprocessed
unproductive
unprofessional
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Cite this Entry

“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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