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
Trump’s track record on promoting peace aside, experts cautioned that his intense efforts to obtain the peace prize are likely counterproductive.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Others—such as an eagerness to engage someone in combat—work in the gym, ring, and battlefield but become counterproductive and even destructive outside of those contexts.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Others—such as an eagerness to engage someone in combat—work in the gym, ring, and battlefield but become counterproductive and even destructive outside of those contexts.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
But her appeal was unsuccessful.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Industry lobbying unsuccessful to date Some advocates for the restaurant industry have been lobbying to change the way service fees are treated.—
Cheryl Winokur Munk,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Team members are always affected the most by old-fashioned work habits and inefficient operations— which cause the need for most transformation efforts.—
Phil Gilbert,
Fortune,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Joel Quenneville’s immediate impact has been undeniable, while new assistants Jay Woodcroft and Ryan McGill have sparked improvement in what were terribly inefficient special teams last season.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The report also concluded that the techniques used were ineffective.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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Two years later, after more legal wrangling, the Connecticut Supreme Court voted narrowly to overturn his conviction, ruling that Skakel's right to a fair trial was compromised by ineffective legal representation.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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