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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

The correct use of the word "prolific"

I recently described a manufacturing quality issue as "prolific". This issue has steadily worsened more & more over the last week, could I now say "this issue is becoming more prolific" or "this issue is becoming more & more prolific"? Thank you - Marco
  

Top answer

Broadly speaking, 'prolific' means 'producing a lot''. It typically describes eg a parent who produces many children. eg an author who writes many books I've never heard an issue described as prolific.

— Clive

  • Broadly speaking, 'prolific' means 'producing a lot''.
  • It typically describes eg a parent who produces many children.
  • eg an author who writes many books I've never heard an issue described as prolific.
  • Do you just mean that it has worsened?
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Broadly speaking, 'prolific' means 'producing a lot''.
It typically describes
eg a parent who produces many children.
eg an author who writes many books

I've never heard an issue described as prolific.
Do you just mean that it has worsened?

Clive
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Hi Clive,
I originally posted this question. "Prolific" can also mean "abundant" & there certainly were an abundance of the same issue, could it then not be used in an adverse sentence such as "this issue is prolific"?
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No. If you say to me This issue is prolific', I won't understand,

I wonder if you are thinking of the word .'proliferate'
'This issue is proliferating' means that it is causing lots of similar issues.

Clive
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