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

• nonproductivity, noun
• ˌnonproˈductiveness, 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

“While I agree that we need to remove nonproductive turf … when I think of waste, I think about it more in the sense of agriculture, since that’s where we could get the most savings.”

From Los Angeles Times

He wrote that Mr. Biden was still experiencing a runny nose and fatigue, and that he had an “occasional nonproductive, now ‘loose’ cough.”

From New York Times

The physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, wrote in a letter released on Friday that Mr. Biden was still experiencing a runny nose and fatigue, and that he had an “occasional nonproductive, now ‘loose’ cough.”

From New York Times

Meanwhile, the Mariners offense was sluggish and nonproductive against Royals starter Kris Bubic.

From Seattle Times

There are so many different systems that it can be overwhelming for the average nonproductive person who simply wants to be told which they should use.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• impotent
• sterile