What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
productive
Example
She is a very productive employee, always finishing her tasks ahead of schedule. [productive: adjective]
Example
The new software has made our work more productive and streamlined. [productive: adjective]
prolific
Example
Stephen King is a prolific author, having written over 60 books in his career. [prolific: adjective]
Example
The apple tree in our backyard is very prolific, producing hundreds of apples each year. [prolific: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Productive is more common than prolific in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. However, prolific is more commonly used in creative fields and academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between productive and prolific?
Both productive and prolific are formal words that are often used in professional or academic contexts. However, productive is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
