productive

adjective

pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
prō-
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.
The most productive college players do not necessarily make the best pros—football is an endlessly interconnected game, with twenty-two players interacting within complicated strategic schemes, and the quality of collegiate competition varies widely. Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 In fact, the park is documented as the most productive shorebird nesting beach on the Panhandle. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 Despite my belief in the hosts prevailing, James Harden is very likely to put together another one of his signature all-around productive performances. Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 By contrast, employees who feel financially secure are more productive, engaged, and loyal. Mary Moreland, Fortune, 17 May 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 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

productive

adjective
pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
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
pro·​duc·​tive prə-ˈdək-tiv, prō- How to pronounce productive (audio)
: raising mucus or sputum (as from the bronchi)
a productive cough

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