unproductive
adjective
un·pro·duc·tive
ˌən-prə-ˈdək-tiv 
-prō-
: not effective in bringing something about : not yielding results, benefits, or profits : not productive
unproductive meetings
unproductive strategies
unproductive workers
Examples of unproductive in a Sentence
crop rotation had prevented the farmland from becoming unproductive
her attempts to write a novel have been unproductive
Recent Examples on the Web
For others, especially those unaccustomed to emotional introspection, conflict may still feel threatening or unproductive, best avoided or minimized.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Like Gonzalez, neither Joe and Tirso Ornelas were largely unproductive before returning to El Paso, albeit over much smaller samples.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: Attempts at micromanaging the economy are unproductive and detrimental.
—Phillip Molnar, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
That’s led to a lot of debate over gun control that has become unproductive, especially at the national level.
—Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Like Gonzalez, neither Joe and Tirso Ornelas were largely unproductive before returning to El Paso, albeit over much smaller samples.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025
Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: Attempts at micromanaging the economy are unproductive and detrimental.
—Phillip Molnar, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
That’s led to a lot of debate over gun control that has become unproductive, especially at the national level.
—Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Cite this Entry
“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share