prolific

[pruh-lif-ik]

adjective

1. producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful.

   a prolific pear tree.

   Synonyms: abundant, fecund, teeming
   Antonyms: barren

2. producing in large quantities or with great frequency; highly productive.

   a prolific writer.

   Synonyms: abundant, fecund, teeming

3. profusely productive or fruitful (often followed by in orof ).

   a bequest prolific of litigations.

4. characterized by abundant production.

   a prolific year for tomatoes.

prolific

/ prəˈlɪfɪk /

adjective

1. producing fruit, offspring, etc, in abundance

2. producing constant or successful results

3. rich or fruitful

Other Word Forms

• prolificacy noun
• prolificity noun
• prolificness noun
• prolifically adverb
• nonprolific adjective
• nonprolificness noun
• nonprolificacy noun
• nonprolifically adverb
• overprolific adjective
• overprolificness noun
• overprolifically adverb
• unprolific adjective
• unprolificness noun
• unprolifically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolific¹

First recorded in 1640–50, prolific is from the Medieval Latin word prōlificus “fertile.” See prolicide, -fic

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolific¹

C17: from Medieval Latin prōlificus, from Latin prōlēs offspring

Synonym Study

See productive.

Example Sentences

Stories of abuse that had been hidden for decades surfaced, as did the names of prolific abusers, some of whom were still working with minors.

From Los Angeles Times

Manny Pacquiao’s prolific career made him an easy choice for inclusion into the boxing Hall of Fame even if his only weakness was knowing when to stop.

From Los Angeles Times

At 31, Pickett is making a name for herself as one of the UK's most prolific and talented young writers.

From BBC

Fitzgerald may not have been as prolific as that pair.

From Los Angeles Times

One of Hollywood’s famous “Oh, that guy” character actors is headed toward 300 credits in his prolific career.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• creative 
• rich