as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterproductive
But some who attended Starmer’s speech said kicking out the man who led them to victory in 2024 would be counterproductive.
—
Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
That drives the decision by the trainers that two weeks is counterproductive to the best interest of the horses themselves.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026
But some who attended Starmer's speech said kicking out the man who led them to victory in 2024 would be counterproductive.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Without proper direction, even brilliance can become counterproductive – another lesson leaders can keep in mind when managing their own flocks.
—Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
That drives the decision by the trainers that two weeks is counterproductive to the best interest of the horses themselves.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026
But some who attended Starmer's speech said kicking out the man who led them to victory in 2024 would be counterproductive.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Without proper direction, even brilliance can become counterproductive – another lesson leaders can keep in mind when managing their own flocks.
—Aditya Simha, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Investigators said that an initial PIT maneuver was unsuccessful, but a second one caused the truck to crash into another vehicle and roll over onto its side – an incident that was caught on home surveillance video.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
Jeremy Brandon Johnson, 53, of Eveleth, was pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Although this might seem inefficient for a bird of their size, inside a rainforest, long soaring wings would actually be more of a liability than an asset.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
In their final seasons, the critique extends to AI’s temptations and shortcomings, ultimately making the case for the inefficient art of comedy.—
Caroline Framke,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
That strategy is becoming ineffective.—
Raheel Sheikh,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Suspensions One Kansas City food business was suspended due to ineffective pest control measures.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
