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

Sitting inside feels spiritually counterproductive. —Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic. —A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026

If addiction ends in reconnection, as Kennedy says, then dismissing interventions that create stability, trust, and continuity in people’s lives is counterproductive. —Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026

Dismissing the benefits of precious metals in this climate, then, could be both risky and counterproductive. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 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