as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
This movement, known as critical legal studies, was associated with the political left, and its exponents, known as crits, loved to disparage liberal theorists’ devotion to the Constitution as naïve and counterproductive.
—
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
While many components of Prop 103 have obviously been effective, some have been counterproductive and need reform.
—Steven Bradford, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Armor said no Armor entity assumes financial responsibility for offsite medical costs, therefore there is no financial incentive to delay or avoid sending a patient to the hospital, adding that delaying hospital care is counterproductive.
—Nichole Manna, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
Some experts pointed out that for people who are trying to eat more fiber, front-loading it in a single meal might be counterproductive because eating too much fiber too quickly can cause GI discomfort.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
While many components of Prop 103 have obviously been effective, some have been counterproductive and need reform.
—Steven Bradford, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Armor said no Armor entity assumes financial responsibility for offsite medical costs, therefore there is no financial incentive to delay or avoid sending a patient to the hospital, adding that delaying hospital care is counterproductive.
—Nichole Manna, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
Some experts pointed out that for people who are trying to eat more fiber, front-loading it in a single meal might be counterproductive because eating too much fiber too quickly can cause GI discomfort.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob said his unsuccessful bid to buy the San Diego Padres assumed that the entire 2027 MLB season would likely be lost due to labor strife.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
6 May 2026
-
The assailant stabbed the pope with a bayonet, but the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
However, conventional anaerobic digestion remains relatively inefficient, with the process typically converting less than 40% of the sludge's carbon into usable gas.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 May 2026
-
From Tecolote to Liberty Station, the city has proven inefficient at managing property.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Ducks’ power play, ineffective in the first three games, finally broke through with two goals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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Officials say current effort is not working City officials argue the current enforcement system has been ineffective because some businesses simply absorb fines as a cost of doing business.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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