productivity

American  

[proh-duhk-tiv-i-tee, prod-uhk‑] / ˌproʊ dʌkˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌprɒd ʌk‑ /

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,

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productivity British  

/ ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

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

2. the state of being productive

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productivity Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of productivity

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

Explanation

Use the noun productivity to describe how much you can get done. Your boss at work probably keeps track of your productivity — meaning he’s checking to see how much work you do and how well you do it. The word productivity is often used in the workplace. It can describe the performance of individual workers, a department, or even an entire industry. You’ll often hear it used with a percentage. Your boss might come in with a smile and say that productivity has increased by 30 percent. Productivity is also frequently used in relation to farming. If you live in a farming community you likely hear news reports about agricultural productivity in your area.

Example Sentences

“In your leadership discussions, are you having this idea of moving from AI to productivity to AI to growth?” she said in a recent interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

By revealing their influence on secondary metabolism, the study points to new strategies for enhancing crops in ways that maintain both productivity and quality.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

In an exceptional level of productivity, Sheridan received sole writing credit on almost every episode of “Yellowstone,” plus its two prequels “1883” and “1923.”

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

“We think AI’s productivity gains could quickly offset such ‘chipflation’ and other price pressures—and push down inflation,” he added.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Without high productivity, she says, the work will move to lower- wage countries such as China.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Related Words

• capacity
• fertility
• production
• yield