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
The move might seem counterproductive to some, but being at the top has its advantages.
—
Sean Joseph Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Overall, the report's authors said 2026 has been counterproductive for the Russian military, and that Moscow may be losing the war.
—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Saving money on inventory is counterproductive if the service level to customers decreases.
—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
But citing this can mean nearly anything seen as counterproductive.
—
Ryan McGrady,
The Conversation,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Sean Joseph Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Overall, the report's authors said 2026 has been counterproductive for the Russian military, and that Moscow may be losing the war.
—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
1 July 2026
Saving money on inventory is counterproductive if the service level to customers decreases.
—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
But citing this can mean nearly anything seen as counterproductive.
—
Ryan McGrady,
The Conversation,
25 June 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 4 Jul. 2026.
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