as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
Being a reader means cultivating a relationship with the world that, by most standards, can seem pointless and counterproductive.
—
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
But for homeowners whose existing mortgage rates remain well below today's averages, refinancing to a new mortgage loan at a higher rate may be counterproductive.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
The central argument is that teachers all over the country employ instructional methods and materials that were proved, long ago, to be not just ineffective but counterproductive.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
This often results in a steaming effect that’s counterproductive to crisping/browning.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
But for homeowners whose existing mortgage rates remain well below today's averages, refinancing to a new mortgage loan at a higher rate may be counterproductive.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
The central argument is that teachers all over the country employ instructional methods and materials that were proved, long ago, to be not just ineffective but counterproductive.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
This often results in a steaming effect that’s counterproductive to crisping/browning.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Earlier attempts to develop a commercial market for pecans based on growing trees from seeds had been unsuccessful, as trees originating from seeds have a long lag period until maturation and production of nuts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
-
First responders attempted life-saving measures on EJ, but were unsuccessful.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Willingly taking back an inefficient contract from a contender, even if that contract has term involved, is just a more extreme application of this basic logic.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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In processes like this, any loss of carbon as carbon dioxide is a key sign that the underlying process is inefficient.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The suspect then allegedly stepped towards the officers with the weapon, and officers deployed a Taser and a firearm at the same time, but the Taser was ineffective.—
Adi Guajardo,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Combined with sensational media coverage and advocacy by special interests, such studies have led to ineffective or even harmful national health policies.—
Stephen B. Soumerai,
STAT,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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