Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's unproductive
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(2)

it's pointless

it serves no purpose

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's unproductive to compare performers, but I always listen for one line in particular in "Streetcar," wondering how the actress will say it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's unproductive," Millstein says.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

Whatever it is, you feel active, even if it's unproductive.

News & Media

Huffington Post

It's unproductive, she claims, to be "re-fighting battles from 20 years ago..."...

News & Media

Huffington Post

Grouping all of these things together and suggesting they're the same is not just disingenuous, it's unproductive.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Third, it's unproductive for the council to consider lifting protections for important cod habitat when the fish need them most.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Are you in favor of the return of Glass-Steagall, and why? 2. Many people argue that the financial industry now accounts for far too much of the gross domestic product and that it is unproductive, indeed counterproductive, to devote so much of the nation's resources to simply moving money around rather than making things.

News & Media

The New York Times

These are the times Mr. Hanks resists reflecting upon, maybe because as an adult he feels it is unproductive to carry on about the turbulence and upheaval of one's youth.

News & Media

The New York Times

This re-affirmed for us that it is unproductive to perpetuate and maintain a victim blaming approach in men's health research.

Science

BMC Health Services Research

It is unproductive".

News & Media

The New York Times

De Bruyne took this but it was unproductive.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's unproductive", consider the specific reason why something is not yielding results. Providing context can make your statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it's unproductive" without explaining why. Clarify the reasons behind the lack of productivity to enhance understanding and offer potential solutions.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's unproductive" primarily functions as a statement or judgment about the inefficacy or futility of a particular action, process, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

Less common in

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's unproductive" serves to convey a negative assessment about the effectiveness of something. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common expression, although not very common, appearing in a variety of contexts from news and media to scientific publications. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide context when using the expression. Alternatives such as "it is counterproductive" or "it's a waste of time" can be used to vary the language.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is counterproductive

Replaces "unproductive" with a stronger term, "counterproductive", implying that the action is actively hindering progress.

it's a waste of time

Focuses on the time aspect, highlighting that the activity does not use time effectively.

it's not beneficial

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcomes or advantages resulting from the action.

it's ineffective

Indicates that the action is not producing the intended or desired result.

it's pointless

Suggests the action has no real purpose or value, implying futility.

it's fruitless

Similar to pointless, but with a stronger connotation of effort expended without result.

it's not worthwhile

Indicates the action does not justify the time, effort, or resources required.

it's unavailing

A more formal way of saying it's not helpful or successful.

it's to no avail

A more emphatic and literary way of stating that something has failed to achieve the desired result.

it serves no purpose

Highlights that the action lacks any meaningful objective or contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "it's unproductive" in a sentence?

You can use "it's unproductive" to describe an action, discussion, or strategy that is not yielding positive results or progress. For example, "it's unproductive to re-fight battles from 20 years ago".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's unproductive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is counterproductive", "it's a waste of time", or "it's ineffective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it's unproductive" or "it is unproductive"?

Both "it's unproductive" and "it is unproductive" are grammatically correct. "It's unproductive" is a contraction and is more common in informal contexts, while "it is unproductive" is slightly more formal and can add emphasis.

What does it mean when someone says something is "unproductive"?

When someone says something is "unproductive", they mean that it is not producing useful results, progress, or benefits. It suggests that the effort or resources being put into it are not yielding a positive outcome.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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it's unproductiveGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's unproductive
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples