Unproductively: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.