prolific

[ pruh-lif-ik ]

adjective

1. producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful:

   a prolific pear tree.

   Synonyms: abundant, fecund, teeming

   Antonyms: barren

2. producing in large quantities or with great frequency; highly productive:

   a prolific writer.

   Synonyms: abundant, fecund, teeming

3. profusely productive or fruitful (often followed by in or of ):

   a bequest prolific of litigations.

4. characterized by abundant production:

   a prolific year for tomatoes.

prolific

/ prəˈlɪfɪk /

adjective

1. producing fruit, offspring, etc, in abundance
2. producing constant or successful results
3. often foll byin or of rich or fruitful

Derived Forms

• proˈlificness, noun
• proˈlifically, adverb

Other Word Forms

• pro·lif·i·ca·cy [pr, uh, -, lif, -i-k, uh, -see], pro·li·fic·i·ty [proh-l, uh, -, fis, -i-tee], pro·lific·ness noun
• pro·lifi·cal·ly adverb
• nonpro·lific adjective
• nonpro·lific·ness noun
• nonpro·lifi·ca·cy noun
• nonpro·lifi·cal·ly adverb
• over·pro·lific adjective
• over·pro·lific·ness noun
• over·pro·lifi·cal·ly adverb
• unpro·lific adjective
• unpro·lific·ness noun
• unpro·lifi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolific¹

First recorded in 1640–50, prolific is from the Medieval Latin word prōlificus “fertile.” See prolicide, -fic

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolific¹

C17: from Medieval Latin prōlificus, from Latin prōlēs offspring

Synonym Study

See productive.

Example Sentences

Emotional volatility was touched on in “Frog and Toad: Live in Concert!” from Last Call Theatre, one of the more prolific companies on the immersive scene.

From Los Angeles Times

A revelatory show at the Huntington puts Don Bachardy’s prolific portrait drawings into a welcome new light.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Combs also had a prolific business career outside of music, including a deal with British drinks company Diageo to promote the French vodka brand Cîroc.

From BBC

After breaking up in 2002 and reforming five years later, the group have enjoyed a prolific second life, releasing several albums and last year enjoying their first ever chart-topper with their 18th record, Yummy.

From BBC

Their dangerous high line, their ability to score an abundance of goals with a prolific front three, the prospect of another golden generation of players nurtured from their prestigious La Masia academy.

From BBC

Related Words

• creative
• rich