Meaning & Definition of word "Unproductive"
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Unproductive
/ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪv/
adjective:
- 1. not producing or achieving desired results; ineffective.
- Example: The meeting was unproductive, as no decisions were made.
- 2. unable to yield or give forth a useful amount of work, crops, etc.; barren.
- Example: After years of unproductive farming, they decided to move to a more fertile area.
- 3. characterized by a lack of progress or output.
- Example: Her unproductive study habits were affecting her grades.
- 4. not contributing to the economy or organization in a beneficial way.
- Example: He felt his unproductive role in the company was stifling his career growth.
Etymology
The word 'unproductive' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'productive', which is from Latin 'productivus', meaning 'that produces' or 'yielding results'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unproductive time:
Time that is not used efficiently or effectively.
unproductive behavior:
Actions that do not lead to positive outcomes or results.
unproductive discussion:
A conversation that does not generate useful ideas or solutions.
Related Words
productive:
Resulting in a significant amount of output; yielding good results.
counterproductive:
Having the opposite of the desired effect; hindering progress.
inefficient:
Not achieving maximum productivity; wasteful.
Slang Meanings of unproductive
Meaning: A waste of time.
Example Sentence: That meeting was a total waste of time, completely unproductive.
Meaning: Going in circles.
Example Sentence: We just kept going in circles on that project; it was so unproductive.