Deadwoods refer to those individuals or things that are outdated, irrelevant, or unproductive. Synonyms for deadwoods include; non-performer, burdensome, underachiever, sluggish, inactive, idle or ineffective. In the work setting, deadwoods may refer to employees who've lost their zeal to work while in sports, they may refer to athletes who've lost their edge on the field. In any situation, deadwoods are those things or individuals who do not contribute to the growth, productivity or success of a group or organization. It is essential to identify deadwoods and take appropriate measures, such as retraining or replacement, to improve productivity and ensure a healthy environment.