as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
The focus on war is counterproductive because the major issues are not military in nature.
—
David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025
Some research theorizes that putting too many superstars on a team can be counterproductive.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
That path is counterproductive.
—Yuriy Boyechko, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Today’s resolution is yet another counterproductive gesture that only rewards Hamas, drags out the war and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and end the suffering in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025
Some research theorizes that putting too many superstars on a team can be counterproductive.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
That path is counterproductive.
—Yuriy Boyechko, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Today’s resolution is yet another counterproductive gesture that only rewards Hamas, drags out the war and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and end the suffering in Gaza.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
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The pose Harris struck and held through her unsuccessful 2024 campaign for the White House is called the good soldier.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
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Now, after years of mostly unsuccessful efforts to eliminate windows from cabins, one luxury jet maker appears to be on the verge of doing just that.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Prolonged drought, climate change and inefficient irrigation practices have accelerated the depletion of rivers, lakes and aquifers, while overuse in urban centers has intensified land subsidence and infrastructure strain.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
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If the same flight path were imposed on travel—Kenya to New York to Germany—we’d call it inefficient design.—
Chris Maurice,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In January 2010, a five-day hearing was held in the circuit court to hear testimony about Dassey's motion, much of which focused on evidence that his confession was coerced and that his trial counsel was ineffective.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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The sheer paucity of Russian resources, after three and a half years of war, may lead to a similarly ineffective response to any use of Tomahawks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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