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counterproductive

adjective

ˌkau̇n-tər-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce counterproductive (audio)
Definition of counterproductivenext
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterproductive Getting diverted totally into something which is not true, counterproductive for the family. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 But worse, military action in Mexico would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against drug cartels. — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Trying to win without Miller or Morejón could be considered counterproductive. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
  1. unsuccessful
  2. inefficient
  3. ineffective
Adjective
  • Kasdin said, up to now, efforts to negotiate with the residents on Fifth Street have been unsuccessful.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Coulter, Hatten, Jones and McMichales all brought unsuccessful challenges against Wilson during last April’s municipal election.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • Address Employee Resistance And Loss Of Critical Thinking Staff might see AI as a threat to their jobs, which can lead to inefficient use of AI tools.
    — Eleonora Liapina, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Every year, by design, the law forces thousands of inefficient old vehicles off the road as the cost of compliance rises and parts become harder to find.
    — Kyle Cheromcha, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of inefficient
Adjective
  • Candelora called the governance structure of the Board ineffective.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But what is changing is the speed at which innovative tactics and operations can be rendered ineffective.
    — NADIA SCHADLOW, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of ineffective

Browse Nearby Words

counterpoising
counterproductive
counterproposal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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