Productive: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'productive' when describing someone or something that produces a lot or gets a lot done. It's about the quantity of output.

• She had a productive day at work, completing all her tasks
• The team had a productive meeting, generating many new ideas

Use 'efficient' when something is done in a way that maximizes productivity with minimal wasted effort or expense. It's about the optimal use of resources.

• She is very efficient in her work, managing to complete tasks quickly and correctly
• The new software makes the system more efficient by reducing 30% of the process time

Use 'effective' to denote that something achieves the desired result. It's more about the success or impact rather than the amount.

• The new marketing strategy proved to be very effective, increasing sales by 30%
• His advice was effective in solving the problem quickly

Use 'fruitful' to describe efforts or activities that produce good results or benefits, often in the context of collaboration or discussions.

• Their negotiations were fruitful, leading to a successful agreement
• The brainstorming session was fruitful, generating many innovative ideas

Use 'profitable' when referring to financial gains or benefits. It's specifically about making money or achieving financial success.

• The business venture turned out to be highly profitable, doubling their investment
• They found the new market to be profitable, with substantial sales growth

Used when someone is able to produce a lot of work or results in a given amount of time.

• She had a productive day at the office, finishing all her reports ahead of schedule

Refers to someone who uses imagination or original ideas to create something, particularly in artistic activities.

• The artist was very creative, coming up with unique paintings that captivated everyone's attention

Describes someone or something that introduces new ideas or methods, often implying progress or improvement.

• The company is known for its innovative solutions, always staying ahead of the competition with new technology

Used when someone experiences a sudden, creative idea or enthusiasm to do something, often driven by a source of inspiration.

• After visiting the museum, she felt inspired to start painting again

Describes a person, artist, or writer who produces a large quantity of work, often of a high quality.

• He is a prolific author, having written more than fifty novels in his career