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

Synonyms

• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• inefficacious
• inefficient
• 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

Some constitutional scholars still maintain that hair-on-fire rhetoric about the demise of the republic is counterproductive. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, predicted the measure, if passed would be counterproductive. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025

However, the impacts on domestic costs and market dynamics could be counterproductive. —Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

The reporting ignored these types of facts, and the editorial board doubles down on this counterproductive approach, also getting simple things wrong. —Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

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