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

Analysts say his tariff threat and other actions could be counterproductive and upend current U.S.-Mexico cooperation on immigration. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Administrative bloat, ideological edicts, and a counterproductive pivot towards equity in all things educational have effectively handicapped public education. —Wenyuan Wu, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024

Punishments are counterproductive with cats, and are likely to make the situation worse. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

This outcome suggests that combining the two might prove counterproductive to enhancing our brain functioning abilities. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above