Unproductively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unproductively

[ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪvli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

workplace

In a way that does not result in productive or efficient outcomes.

Synonyms

inefficiently, pointlessly, unsuccessfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unproductively	When describing an activity that is not yielding any fruitful results or producing anything meaningful, typically in a work or creative environment. He spent the entire day working unproductively, with nothing to show for his efforts. The meeting dragged on unproductively, accomplishing very little.
inefficiently	When describing a process or action that is completed with much waste of time, effort, or resources, and could be done better. The old machine works inefficiently and costs the company a lot of money in repairs. Tasks were handled inefficiently, resulting in missed deadlines.
unsuccessfully	When describing an attempt or effort that ultimately failed to achieve its intended goal or desired outcome. She tried unsuccessfully to fix the broken vase. They launched a new product last year, but it sold very unsuccessfully.
pointlessly	When describing an action that serves no useful purpose or has no meaningful outcome, often with a sense of frustration or uselessness. They argued pointlessly for hours without reaching a solution. He wandered around the empty halls pointlessly, feeling utterly lost.

Examples of usage

He spent the whole day unproductively browsing the internet.
She was sitting unproductively at her desk, staring into space.
They were discussing unproductively without reaching any conclusions.
The team worked unproductively on the project for weeks without making any progress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that multitasking can lead to unproductive behaviors, making it harder to focus on one task at a time.
Procrastination is often linked to feeling unproductive, as people may avoid tasks due to fear of failure or overwhelm.

Work Culture

In many workplaces, productive employees are often rewarded, while those seen as unproductive may face criticism or lack of advancement.
Some companies now encourage breaks to help reduce unproductive hours, understanding that rest can enhance overall productivity.

Technology

With the rise of smartphones and social media, many people find themselves distracted and unproductive during work hours.
Productivity apps have been developed to help individuals stay focused and reduce unproductive time on devices.

Literature

Authors sometimes explore themes of unproductiveness, reflecting on how characters struggle with motivation or life's distractions.
Classic literature often depicts protagonists experiencing periods of unproductiveness as a pathway to personal growth or revelation.

Origin of 'unproductively'

Main points about word origin

'Unproductive' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'productive,' which comes from the Latin ‘productivus,’ meaning 'to bring forth.'
The prefix 'un-' is common in English and is used to create the opposite of a word's meaning, like in 'unhappy' (not happy).

The word 'unproductively' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'productively', which is formed from the noun 'productivity' and the suffix '-ly' to form the adverb. The concept of productivity has been a focus in various fields such as economics, business, and psychology, aiming to maximize efficiency and output. The adverb 'unproductively' is commonly used in discussions related to time management, work habits, and overall efficiency in achieving goals.