C1adjective2K

Productive

UK /["/prəˈdʌktɪv/"]/US /["/prəˈdʌktɪv/"]/

Definition

making goods or growing crops, especially in large quantities

In simple words: Doing a lot of work or creating good results.

Examples

  • **highly productive** farming land
  • productive workers
  • The aim was to maximize the machine’s productive capacity.
  • The bush must be pruned to remain productive.
  • a productive meeting
  • My time spent in the library was very productive.
  • I just wish he would do something productive with his life.
  • Internet sources have proved extremely productive.
  • It makes them feel productive even if it is not a paying job.
  • a play productive of the strongest emotions

Usage notes

Use 'productive' to describe a person or a situation that leads to good results. It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts but be mindful of using it when discussing work or efficiency.

Grammar pattern

productive + of/object

Memory hint

Think of 'produce' - if you're productive, you're producing a lot!

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • fruitful

Antonyms

  • unproductive
  • inefficient
  • idle

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'productive' with 'produce', which means to make something.
  • Using 'productivity' incorrectly as an adjective.
  • Saying 'more productive' instead of 'most productive' when comparing three or more things.