SINCE 1828
cross-purpose
noun
cross-pur·pose
| \ ˈkrȯs-ˈpər-pəs
\
\
Definition of cross-purpose
: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else
—usually used in plural the two were always working at cross-purposes
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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