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

This recrudescence of wolf warrior diplomacy is counterproductive and enables Japan to depict China as the bullying hegemon. —Jeff Kingston, Time, 30 Nov. 2025

However, her active role may be counterproductive, given her poor performance in 2024. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Nov. 2025

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