nonproductive

[ non-pruh-duhk-tiv ]

adjective

1. not productive; unproductive.
2. not worthwhile or beneficial; not leading to practical or beneficial results.
3. not producing goods directly, as employees in charge of personnel or inspectors.

nonproductive

/ ˌnɒnprəˈdʌktɪv; ˌnɒnprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of workers) not directly responsible for producing goods
2. having disappointing results; unproductive

Derived Forms

• ˌnonproˈductiveness, noun
• nonproductivity, noun

Other Words From

• nonpro·ductive·ly adverb
• nonpro·ductive·ness non·pro·duc·tiv·i·ty [non-proh-duhk-, tiv, -i-tee, -prod-, uh, k-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonproductive¹

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + productive

Example Sentences

Besides the overhead of slaves and nonproductive brewers, the establishment required the services of two coopers at 20 per year.

From Project Gutenberg

They are classed as nonproductive workers, therefore their salary scales are lower than those for productive workers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• impotent
• sterile