as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
Beyond that, such dramatic moves could be counterproductive.
—
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Targeting the employers themselves, some of whom Trump relies on for support, would be counterproductive to his agenda, Reisz said.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Still, Marles suggested the Trump administration's aggressive trade policies were counterproductive.
—Tara Copp, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
Moreover, relying on tariffs as a primary tool for environmental protection is a crude and ultimately counterproductive strategy, especially considering the potential to hinder the transition to clean energy.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Targeting the employers themselves, some of whom Trump relies on for support, would be counterproductive to his agenda, Reisz said.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Still, Marles suggested the Trump administration's aggressive trade policies were counterproductive.
—Tara Copp, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
Moreover, relying on tariffs as a primary tool for environmental protection is a crude and ultimately counterproductive strategy, especially considering the potential to hinder the transition to clean energy.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
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Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, said Officer Anthony Gamble, a Sacramento Police Department spokesperson.—
The Sacramento Bee,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2025
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Attempts to impeach Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018, were unsuccessful.—
Avet Demourian,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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This includes putting more tax inefficient investments into tax advantaged accounts, like 401(k), 403(b), 529 college savings accounts, and HSAs, to name just a few. 6.—
Jonathan I. Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Parking has changed greatly over the years in Boise, in part because city planners have tried to get rid of inefficient surface parking lots.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Clark was largely ineffective, recording 10 points, six assists, five rebounds and four turnovers.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Patients, many of whom are living with chronic, complex conditions, may receive care that is ineffective, inappropriate or dismissive.—
Hany Demian,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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