counterproductive

adjective

coun·​ter·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌkau̇n-tər-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce counterproductive (audio)
: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal
violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductiveW. E. Brock born 1930

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
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Others—such as an eagerness to engage someone in combat—work in the gym, ring, and battlefield but become counterproductive and even destructive outside of those contexts. Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025 Once again, the process is likely to be costly, counterproductive and completely unnecessary. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 An argument, on the other hand, is counterproductive. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 But players also realize, or at least learn quickly enough, that such highs and lows are part of the business and overreaction is counterproductive. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterproductive

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterproductive was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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