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

Synonyms of counterproductive

• unsuccessful
• inefficient
• ineffective
• inexpedient

Examples 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

Short-term fixes alone are unlikely to address the root causes of affordability and, if misguided, could even prove counterproductive. —Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026

Swart warned the street unrest is actively counterproductive. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026

For 35 years Brazilian political elites have viewed nuclear armament as both unnecessary and counterproductive, given Brazil’s peaceful foreign policy, emphasis on multilateralism, and the Tlatelolco Treaty making Latin America a nuclear-weapons-free zone. —Oliver Stuenkel, Time, 9 Jan. 2026

Failing to follow aftercare instructions can be counterproductive to the treatment. —Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterproductive

• photoconductive
• superconductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive