least productive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least productive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, person, or method that yields the lowest output or effectiveness compared to others. Example: "During the last quarter, our team was the least productive due to various unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means the "least productive individuals are therefore not employed, which flatters the French productivity numbers".

The Guardian

"Least productive" was fairer than "worst".

The New York Times

This past decade has been his least productive.

The Guardian

The outgoing Congress is the least productive since 1947.

The Economist

They also own the league's least productive running game.

The New York Times - Sports

Surprisingly, it was not generally the least productive managers.

Harvard Business Review

The best writers are often the least productive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Manual firms, the least productive, have had a stable share throughout the period.

Research Policy

It's not surprising that last year was the least productive year ever in the congressional record.

The Guardian - Opinion

I would say that this is the least productive day Cyprus ever had.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, this Congress is the least productive since the 1940s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple entities, ensure all are evaluated under the same criteria to accurately determine which is the "least productive".

Common error

Avoid using "least productive" as a blanket statement without specifying the area of measurement. Clearly define what aspects are being evaluated to determine productivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least productive" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun has the lowest level of output or effectiveness compared to others. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least productive" is a commonly used adjective phrase that signifies the lowest level of output or effectiveness compared to others. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, as well as its grammatically correct status. When using this phrase, it is important to specify what aspects are being evaluated for productivity. Some alternatives include "most unproductive" and "least efficient". Understanding its function, purpose, and register can enhance clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unproductive

Replaces 'least' with 'most' to emphasize the lack of productivity.

least efficient

Substitutes 'productive' with 'efficient' focusing on the ratio of output to input.

lowest-yielding

Emphasizes output or results, often used in contexts like investments or agriculture.

minimally effective

Highlights the lack of achieving the desired outcome or result.

suboptimally productive

Implies productivity is below the ideal or expected level.

feebly productive

Suggests a weak or faint level of productivity.

scarcely productive

Indicates productivity is rare or barely present.

hardly productive

Similar to scarcely, emphasizing the lack of productivity.

least fruitful

Focuses on the lack of positive results or outcomes.

least generative

Emphasizes a lack of creation or production.

FAQs

How can I use "least productive" in a sentence?

You can use "least productive" to describe anything that yields the smallest amount of output compared to others. For example, "This year was my "least productive" in terms of published articles".

What are some alternatives to "least productive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "most unproductive", "least efficient", or "lowest-yielding".

Is it always negative to be described as "least productive"?

While generally negative, being the "least productive" can also serve as a baseline for improvement or a point of comparison to understand inefficiencies.

What factors can contribute to someone or something being "least productive"?

Factors can vary widely, including lack of resources, poor management, inadequate training, or external disruptions. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving productivity.