as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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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
-
Barkan’s was one of several unsuccessful progressive campaigns Mamdani worked on before getting a job as a foreclosure prevention counselor at a nonprofit.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
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There have been a handful of topping bids this year, including an unsuccessful attempt by hedge fund Alden Global to beat out Hearst in its deal for the Dallas Morning News.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For years, the Heat’s offense was among the slowest and most inefficient units in the NBA.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
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In an interview, Hirschhorn said export controls alone were an inefficient way to defend human rights.—
Byron Tau,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2025.
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