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 born 1930
W. E. Brock born 1930Examples 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
This can be counterproductive for long-term weight management, as muscle loss can lower the number of calories burned at rest.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Observers have noted that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be counterproductive for Iran, which relies on the waterway to get its own oil to customers, mostly in China.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
But the facts remind us that viewing climate action as a zero-sum game with economic growth is counterproductive on several fronts.
—Henna Hundal, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Ashton Eller, vice president of governmental affairs at IMA, wrote that burdensome regulatory actions cost jobs, drive up energy prices and are counterproductive.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Observers have noted that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be counterproductive for Iran, which relies on the waterway to get its own oil to customers, mostly in China.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
But the facts remind us that viewing climate action as a zero-sum game with economic growth is counterproductive on several fronts.
—Henna Hundal, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Ashton Eller, vice president of governmental affairs at IMA, wrote that burdensome regulatory actions cost jobs, drive up energy prices and are counterproductive.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share