is unproductive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unproductive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or behavior that does not yield positive results or outcomes. Example: "Spending too much time on social media during work hours is unproductive and can lead to missed deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is unproductive".

The New York Times

"But being small is unproductive".

The New York Times

Its management is unproductive and rigid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Worrying about the past and future is unproductive".

The New York Times - Sports

If India's informal sector is unproductive, it is also ingenious.

The Economist

Blaming foreigners for U.S. deficits is unproductive and potentially dangerous.

The Washington Post

Now the workers say the farm is unproductive and they are unemployed.

The New York Times

Blaming government agencies for failing at jobs they were not created to perform is unproductive.

The New York Times

Three, it is unproductive; nothing comes of it — nothing of material value, anyway.

The New Yorker

For parents to rail about them after they're grown is unproductive.

The New York Times

Complaining to colleagues about your pay is unproductive: your boss needs to hear your case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or method, use "is unproductive" to clearly state that it does not lead to desired results and suggest looking for alternative approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "is unproductive" in situations where a more nuanced assessment is needed. Sometimes, a seemingly unproductive activity might have hidden long-term benefits or unintended positive consequences. Consider if a more balanced evaluation is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unproductive" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state or quality. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies that something is not yielding positive results or is not contributing to a desired outcome. This is evident in examples like "Worrying about the past and future is unproductive" and "Complaining to colleagues about your pay is unproductive."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unproductive" is a versatile expression used to denote a lack of positive results or efficiency. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is straightforward, functioning as a predicate adjective, and it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation and consider if a more nuanced or balanced evaluation is needed to avoid overly negative connotations. Alternatives such as "is ineffectual" or "is a waste of time" can provide subtle differences in meaning, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is counterproductive

Indicates that the action has the opposite of the intended effect.

is not fruitful

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcomes or results.

is ineffectual

Focuses on the inability to produce the desired effect.

is futile

Emphasizes the pointlessness of the action, suggesting it cannot succeed.

is not efficient

Focuses on the lack of efficiency in achieving a goal.

is a waste of time

Highlights the inefficient use of time without achieving a valuable result.

is a dead end

Implies that the path or approach leads to no progress or solution.

is not worthwhile

Suggests that the effort or investment does not justify the outcome.

is not beneficial

Highlights the absence of positive benefits or advantages.

is sterile

Suggests a lack of creativity or new ideas.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is unproductive"?

You can use alternatives like "is ineffectual", "is a waste of time", or "is counterproductive" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "is unproductive" in a sentence?

You can use "is unproductive" to describe something that doesn't yield positive results or is not efficient. For example, "Worrying about things you can't control is unproductive."

Is "is unproductive" formal or informal?

"Is unproductive" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's often seen in professional or neutral communications.

What's the difference between "is unproductive" and "is inefficient"?

"Is unproductive" suggests a lack of positive results, while "is inefficient" implies a waste of resources or effort. Something can be inefficient but still produce some results, whereas something unproductive yields little to no positive outcome.