productive

The word “productive” means getting a lot done; generating good results efficiently. In plain terms, getting good results, or capable of making a lot.

“Productive” is pronounced pruh-DUHK-tihv (/pɹəˈdʌk.tɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “productive” used in a sentence: “It was a productive meeting — we covered everything on the list.”

Words with a similar meaning to “productive” include prolific, pregnant, batful, fertile, thriving and fruitful.

The opposite of “productive” — its antonyms — are baneful, barren, counterproductive, counter-productive and destructive.

“Productive” is an adjective.

The word “productive” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed from Late Latin prōductīvus, from the same root as produce.

“Productive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Productive means getting a lot done and generating good results, while efficient means achieving results with the least waste of time or effort. You can be productive without being efficient if you accomplish much but use excess resources.

Being busy means having a lot to do, while being productive means actually achieving meaningful results. A person can be busy all day yet not productive if little of value gets finished.

Productive focuses on how much gets done, while effective focuses on whether the output achieves its intended goal. Work can be productive in volume yet not effective if it misses its purpose.

The opposite is unproductive or counterproductive, meaning failing to achieve useful results, or even working against the goal you are trying to reach.