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
Relevance
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
As Foot Locker’s fourth-quarter gross margin is anticipated to drop by 1,000 to 1,500 basis points, the company is looking to get rid of unproductive assets.
—
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
That means clearing out unproductive inventory, closing underperforming stores and rightsizing assets that don’t align with Dick’s go-forward vision for the Foot Locker business.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
The power play also had another unproductive day, going goalless in three extra-man opportunities.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025
Economies that exclude women are unstable and unproductive.
—Nargis Habib, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unproductive
Adjective
-
In the 19th century, guano miners razed the place, removing most of the topsoil and leaving behind barren rock.—
-
The next two teams on this list find themselves in eerily similar situations, from barren rosters to enviable cap space to hope at the quarterback position.—
Adjective
-
But her appeal was unsuccessful.—
-
Industry lobbying unsuccessful to date Some advocates for the restaurant industry have been lobbying to change the way service fees are treated.—
Adjective
-
Sátántangó’s desolate landscapes, dominated by mud, wind, and overcast skies, summoned a vision of earthly purgatory unrivaled in almost all of cinema.—
-
Thanksgiving is desolate with freezing rain.—
Adjective
-
But the rally felt less threatening than futile.—
-
And this is asking that question, how are these people finding meaning and purpose in their lives that feel so oppressive and futile?—
Adjective
-
The United States must step away from war and send food to Venezuela’s impoverished people.—
-
Leaning into the superstition that someone with albinism can bring wealth to those in need, Panay’s story follows a young boy with albinism (Boubacar Dembèlè), whose voice is believed to hold special powers that can protect impoverished miners risking their lives for gold.—
Adjective
-
Brown’s statement on Monday was mostly useless corporate-speak.—
-
This tiny amount of copper acts as a molecular steering wheel, preventing sugar molecules from shattering into useless carbon dioxide.—
Adjective
-
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.—
-
In recent games, KU’s communication has been pretty poor on defense and that’s led to players taking (and too often missing) wide-open 3-pointers.—
Adjective
-
Local laws and supplier audits The OECD has called on Shein to publish further public information about its compliance with France’s anti-waste law (AGEC), which aims to move businesses toward greater circularity.—
-
This anti-waste brand upcycles materials, and was founded by Kisa Sky Shiga.—
Cite this Entry
“Unproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unproductive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share