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.