as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
Once again, the process is likely to be costly, counterproductive and completely unnecessary.
—
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
An argument, on the other hand, is counterproductive.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
But players also realize, or at least learn quickly enough, that such highs and lows are part of the business and overreaction is counterproductive.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
The focus on war is counterproductive because the major issues are not military in nature.
—David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
An argument, on the other hand, is counterproductive.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
But players also realize, or at least learn quickly enough, that such highs and lows are part of the business and overreaction is counterproductive.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
The focus on war is counterproductive because the major issues are not military in nature.
—David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Romo was starting to describe how Mahomes was complaining about the attempt being unsuccessful when he was interrupted by the Chiefs running the ball and picking up the first down.—
Jayna Bardahl,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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However, the shooting was unsuccessful and Alex suffered only superficial wounds.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The videos pop up instantly—before my brain has had time to picture the prompts using my own imagination, as if the act of dreaming has been rendered obsolete, inefficient.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
20 Oct. 2025
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His lab is focused on improving the chemical synthesis of mirror proteins, a process which is currently very inefficient.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Quarterback Geno Smith was highly ineffective, passing for just 67 yards on 10 completions, while the Vegas run game mustered just 25 yards on 11 carries.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
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Matvei Michkov has just one goal coming late in the Flyers’ loss to the Jets on Thursday, but was once again benched for the second half of the third period after too many ineffective shifts and careless plays with the puck.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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