counterproductive
adjective
coun·ter·pro·duc·tive
ˌkau̇n-tər-prə-ˈdək-tiv 
: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal
… violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductive.—
W. E. Brock III
W. E. Brock IIIExamples of counterproductive in a Sentence
His uncontrollable anger is very counterproductive to his attempt at saving his marriage.
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
Recent Examples on the Web
In July of last year Steyer sent out a tweet criticizing rent control for its deleterious and counterproductive effects.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
Strom added that the offering outreach to homeless people with the threat of booting them and throwing their belongings out is counterproductive.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
And data showed outcomes were counterproductive.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
Sitting inside feels spiritually counterproductive.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
Strom added that the offering outreach to homeless people with the threat of booting them and throwing their belongings out is counterproductive.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
And data showed outcomes were counterproductive.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026
Sitting inside feels spiritually counterproductive.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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