reduce productivity

USAGE SUMMARY

"reduce productivity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decrease in the efficiency or output of a person, group, or organization. Example: The new policies implemented by the company are expected to reduce productivity and slow down the production process.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Agriculture also receives ecosystem dis-services that reduce productivity or increase production costs (e.g., herbivory and competition for water and nutrients by undesired species).

Ecological Economics

Poor assembly planning may significantly increase the cost of products and reduce productivity.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

And longer hours may reduce productivity; in the first world war munitions factories increased production by reducing extreme working hours (then up to 100 hours a week).

The Economist

The problem is of significant interest to the industry as the usual filter measures undertaken (e.g., liners and gravel packs) to prevent solids production (tensile failure) are not only very expensive but also they reduce productivity due to inevitable plugging of the pores in such filters.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Climate change will reduce productivity.

The Guardian

Companies that rationalise too much reduce productivity.

The Economist

Badly redesigned office spaces could affect morale and reduce productivity.

The Guardian

Obstreperous unions push up labour costs and reduce productivity.

The Economist

"It is well known that higher taxes and transfers reduce productivity," he writes.

The New York Times

Steps like these add significant costs and reduce productivity in an already slowing economy.

The New York Times

Business groups opposing the measure said it could reduce productivity and increase costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of external factors on business operations, use "reduce productivity" to clearly indicate a decrease in output or efficiency. For example, "New regulations can reduce productivity if they create bureaucratic delays."

Common error

Avoid vaguely attributing productivity declines to broad causes without specific examples. Instead of saying "Poor management reduces productivity", specify which management practices are detrimental, such as "Lack of clear communication reduces productivity because employees are unsure of their tasks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce productivity" functions as a verb phrase where "reduce" acts as a transitive verb and "productivity" serves as the direct object. It indicates an action that lowers the rate at which goods or services are produced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce productivity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse fields to describe the impairment of efficiency and output. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. As highlighted by the numerous examples, factors such as climate change, poor management, and inadequate resources can significantly "reduce productivity". Alternatives like "lower efficiency" or "impair performance" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When using this phrase, specify the causes to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. Ludwig's extensive data confirms its prevalence in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, reflecting its importance in discussing factors affecting operational effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish output

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of production being lessened.

lower efficiency

Emphasizes a decrease in the ratio of output to input.

impair performance

Highlights a decline in the overall effectiveness or capability.

hamper production

Suggests an obstruction or hindrance to the production process.

curtail output

Implies a restriction or reduction in the quantity produced.

decline in efficiency

Refers to a state or condition of reduced efficiency.

weaken performance

Indicates a loss of strength or effectiveness in performance.

undermine efficiency

Suggests a gradual erosion or weakening of efficiency.

inhibit production

Implies a restraint or prevention of production.

stifle output

Indicates a suppression or restriction of output.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce productivity" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce productivity" to describe factors that lower efficiency or output. For example: "Excessive meetings often reduce productivity by taking time away from focused work."

What are some alternatives to "reduce productivity"?

Alternatives include "lower efficiency", "impair performance", or "diminish output", each with slightly different nuances.

What factors typically "reduce productivity" in the workplace?

Common factors include poor communication, inadequate training, outdated technology, and a negative work environment. Addressing these can improve overall efficiency.

Is it better to say "decrease productivity" or "reduce productivity"?

Both "decrease productivity" and "reduce productivity" are acceptable and essentially interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.