less productive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less productive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, person, or process that yields fewer results or outputs compared to another. Example: "During the winter months, our team tends to be less productive due to the holiday distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Other encounters were less productive.

The New York Times

Would that make them less productive?

The New York Times

Oldies are (on average) less productive.

The Economist

Unhappier workers were 10% less productive".

The Guardian

Each step requires more effort and is less productive.

The Guardian - Books

His trip to Georgia later last year was less productive.

The New York Times

His three premier attackers have become less productive.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't merely less productive; it was anti-productive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Americans got less productive — or so the figures said.

The New Yorker

A degraded ecosystem will be far less productive over all.

The New York Times

Third, overload can also make workers less productive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less productive", clearly specify the context or comparison point. For example, instead of saying "the team was less productive", specify "the team was less productive this quarter compared to last quarter".

Common error

Avoid attributing reduced productivity to a single cause without sufficient evidence. Factors such as morale, resources, and external influences can all contribute. Instead of stating "the team was less productive because they are lazy", consider a more nuanced explanation acknowledging multiple potential factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less productive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase commonly describes a reduced capacity or efficiency in generating output or results. The term serves to quantify a comparative state of diminished productivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less productive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a reduction in output or efficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, from news reports and scientific studies to everyday conversations. While often implying a negative outcome, "less productive" can also describe a strategic choice or a temporary state. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide context and avoid oversimplifying the underlying causes. Alternatives such as "less efficient" or "not as productive" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as productive

A more explicit and straightforward way of expressing reduced productivity.

less efficient

Focuses on the reduction in efficiency rather than overall output.

reduced efficiency

Highlights the decreased ratio of output to input.

less effective

Emphasizes the reduced effectiveness in achieving a desired outcome.

underperforming

Implies a failure to meet expected productivity levels.

declining productivity

Indicates a trend of decreasing productivity over time.

less fruitful

Highlights the diminished results or positive outcomes.

lower output

Directly refers to the decreased quantity of produced goods or results.

suboptimal performance

Suggests that the performance is below the ideal or expected level.

less yielding

Focuses on the reduced amount of output or return.

FAQs

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

You can use "less productive" to describe anything that yields fewer results or outputs. For example: "The new software made the team "less productive"", or "The land became "less productive" after the drought".

What's the difference between "less productive" and "unproductive"?

"Less productive" implies a reduction in output, while "unproductive" suggests a complete lack of output. Something that is "less productive" still yields results, just fewer than before. Something unproductive yields no results at all.

What can I say instead of "less productive"?

You can use alternatives like "less efficient", "less effective", or "not as productive" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be "less productive"?

While often negative, being "less productive" can sometimes be a deliberate choice. For example, a company might choose to be "less productive" in the short term to focus on long-term sustainability or employee well-being.