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
Employees at every level should feel comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles without fear of being labeled unproductive or incapable.
—
Mindi Cox, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The sources said that although neither the US nor Iran wants to leave the negotiating table, the position of the US is making the talks unproductive and formal meetings are unlikely to continue much longer.
—Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His only unproductive at-bat was in the sixth, when he was rung up looking on a low pitch out of the zone.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025
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
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.
Mindi Cox, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The sources said that although neither the US nor Iran wants to leave the negotiating table, the position of the US is making the talks unproductive and formal meetings are unlikely to continue much longer.
—Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
His only unproductive at-bat was in the sixth, when he was rung up looking on a low pitch out of the zone.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Cite this Entry
“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproductive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share