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Antonyms for prolific

Grammar : Adj
Spell : pruh-lif-ik
Phonetic Transcription : prəˈlɪf ɪk

Definition of prolific

Origin :
  • 1640s, from French prolifique (16c.), from Medieval Latin prolificus, from Latin proles "offspring" + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Latin proles is contracted from *pro-oles, from PIE *pro-al-, from *pro- "forth" (see pro-) + *al- "to grow, nourish" (see old). Related: Prolifical (c.1600).
  • Prolific is in common use, but to make a satisfactory noun from it has passed the wit of man. [Fowler]
  • adj fruitful, productive
Example sentences :
  • Impregnated by power divine, the soil was prolific in other fruits than these.
  • Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin
  • I am afraid that this prolific letter-writing will use up Garibaldi.
  • Extract from : « Diary from November 12, 1862, to October 18, 1863 » by Adam Gurowski
  • For invention and improvement are prolific, and beget more of their kind.
  • Extract from : « The Age of Invention » by Holland Thompson
  • They are the most prolific breeders—the proportion of ewes bringing twins being at least fifty per cent.
  • Extract from : « Address delivered by Hon. Henry H. Crapo, Governor of Michigan, before the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, at their Sheep-shearing Exhibition held at the Agricultural College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866 » by Henry Howland Crapo
  • We have a green and fertile country, and round it a prolific sea.
  • Extract from : « Another Sheaf » by John Galsworthy
  • Wonderful and prolific as nature is on land, she is infinitely more so in the sea.
  • Extract from : « Tales of Fishes » by Zane Grey
  • Select the best and most prolific variety and the one most suited to the climate.
  • Extract from : « Walnut Growing in Oregon » by Various
  • The cave of Adullam has always been the most prolific literary centre.
  • Extract from : « By the Christmas Fire » by Samuel McChord Crothers
  • He was a prolific composer of masses, motettes, chansons and other works.
  • Extract from : « A Popular History of the Art of Music » by W. S. B. Mathews
  • Surely that practice has not been prolific of superstitions.
  • Extract from : « Bertha and Her Baptism » by Nehemiah Adams

Synonyms for prolific

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019