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

The results so far show about a 20% drop in productivity.

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The manufacturer of speciality fluorochemicals remains focused on capacity enhancement, productivity improvement, and operational efficiency across segments.

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While political policy priorities may shift at the margin under the new Takaichi administration, BII expects broad continuity in Japan’s economic approach and a focus on sustaining wage and productivity gains.

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As part of its new deal for farmers, Defra said it has committed nearly £250m in farming grants to improve productivity, trial new technologies and drive innovation in the sector.

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The takeaway is simple: Culture operates like capital, potentially influencing the productivity and progress of groups.

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Related Words

• capacity 
• fertility 
• production 
• yield