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 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 But players also realize, or at least learn quickly enough, that such highs and lows are part of the business and overreaction is counterproductive. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025 The focus on war is counterproductive because the major issues are not military in nature. David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
  • Romo was starting to describe how Mahomes was complaining about the attempt being unsuccessful when he was interrupted by the Chiefs running the ball and picking up the first down.
    Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • However, the shooting was unsuccessful and Alex suffered only superficial wounds.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The videos pop up instantly—before my brain has had time to picture the prompts using my own imagination, as if the act of dreaming has been rendered obsolete, inefficient.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
  • His lab is focused on improving the chemical synthesis of mirror proteins, a process which is currently very inefficient.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Quarterback Geno Smith was highly ineffective, passing for just 67 yards on 10 completions, while the Vegas run game mustered just 25 yards on 11 carries.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Matvei Michkov has just one goal coming late in the Flyers’ loss to the Jets on Thursday, but was once again benched for the second half of the third period after too many ineffective shifts and careless plays with the puck.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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