as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
Sitting inside feels spiritually counterproductive.
—
Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
If addiction ends in reconnection, as Kennedy says, then dismissing interventions that create stability, trust, and continuity in people’s lives is counterproductive.
—Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Dismissing the benefits of precious metals in this climate, then, could be both risky and counterproductive.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
If addiction ends in reconnection, as Kennedy says, then dismissing interventions that create stability, trust, and continuity in people’s lives is counterproductive.
—Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Dismissing the benefits of precious metals in this climate, then, could be both risky and counterproductive.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
-
There is some hope within the organization that Blackburn can follow a path similar to the one that Luke Weaver took, as the ex-Yank transitioned from an unsuccessful starter to a high-leverage reliever while making relatively little money with the team.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Standard recycling is often inefficient, but the Edinburgh team, led by Professor Stephen Wallace, saw a goldmine of carbon hidden in that waste.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
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Herro was inefficient on Saturday, though, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and 2-of-8 shooting on threes.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Neither meant much in the face of porous defense, ineffective rim protection and a lack of effort on the offensive boards.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
These limit how easily air can pass through the nostrils, making the nasal cycle ineffective and leaving both nostrils constantly feeling blocked.—
Adam Taylor,
CNN Money,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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