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

The Knesset action was also a counterproductive move, given Israel’s increasing isolation. —Frederic J. Frommer, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025

Essentially, the beloved protective style turns out to be counterproductive. —Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 12 Nov. 2025

In a race against the clock, creating more awareness and communicating what’s currently working, and what strategies are dangerous or counterproductive, matters. —Charlotte Hu, Time, 11 Nov. 2025

Even Bill Gates, a onetime stalwart champion of climate action, said this week that near-term emissions targets are a distraction at best and could even be counterproductive for human welfare. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 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