productivity

[proh-duhk-tiv-i-tee, prod-uhk‑]

noun

1. the quality, state, or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services.

   The productivity of the group's effort surprised everyone.

2. Economics.,  the rate at which goods and services having exchange value are brought forth or produced.

   Productivity increased dramatically last year.

3. Grammar.,  the ability to form new words using established patterns and discrete linguistic elements, as the derivational affixes -ness and -ity,

productivity

/ ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the output of an industrial concern in relation to the materials, labour, etc, it employs

2. the state of being productive

productivity

1. In business, a measure of worker efficiency, such as one hundred units per hour. In economics, involvement in the creation of goods and services to produce wealth.

Other Word Forms

• antiproductivity adjective
• nonproductivity noun
• semiproductivity noun
• unproductivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of productivity¹

First recorded in 1800–10; productiv(e) ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

He acknowledged that its energy consumption remains "very high" but argued that its potential benefits, especially in the fields of healthcare, public services, and business productivity, were worthwhile.

From BBC

Now under state ownership, productivity is low compared to competitors both in the UK and abroad, not due to idleness but because workers don't have the equipment they need to do their job efficiently.

From BBC

The telecast of this walk is intended to inspire workers to increase their productivity.

From Los Angeles Times

These gains would come from lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, and a stronger workforce driven by better health outcomes for women.

From BBC

The OBR judgement on UK productivity could be the single biggest determinant of how much of a gap there is, and therefore how much Budget pain the chancellor needs to administer.

From BBC

Related Words

• capacity 
• fertility 
• production 
• yield