as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
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
Why Steyer has changed his mind despite his familiarity with the evidence that rent control is counterproductive is anyone’s guess.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Installing Warsh wouldn’t guarantee that the Fed embarks on this counterproductive course.
—Binyamin Appelbaum, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Why Steyer has changed his mind despite his familiarity with the evidence that rent control is counterproductive is anyone’s guess.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Installing Warsh wouldn’t guarantee that the Fed embarks on this counterproductive course.
—Binyamin Appelbaum, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
The handful of lawsuits filed by donor-advisors over how DAF assets are spent or invested have thus far been largely unsuccessful in court.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Police attempted to forcibly stop the vehicle using spike strips but were unsuccessful.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The old model of network pilot season was terribly inefficient from a business standpoint.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In a game where guards Kaden Gumbs and Mark Drone had inefficient shooting nights, Emmou’s offensive punch proved invaluable.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Knoepfler also notes that the same substance that's helpful at one dose might be ineffective or even harmful at another dose.—
Sarah Boden,
NPR,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Using on frozen or too-wet soil will be ineffective, and applying too late allows weeds to germinate.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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