counterproductive
adjective
coun·ter·pro·duc·tive
ˌkau̇n-tər-prə-ˈdək-tiv 
: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal
violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductive—
W. E. Brock born 1930
W. E. Brock born 1930Examples of counterproductive in a Sentence
His uncontrollable anger is very counterproductive to his attempt at saving his marriage.
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
Recent Examples on the Web
Cleaner air is always appealing, but rushing into sweeping regulatory shifts that will have little long-term effect would be counterproductive.
—Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
When Musk is in a bad mood, well, an interview is usually counterproductive.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025
Autism advocacy groups worry that Kennedy’s study may prove counterproductive.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025
But so far, Trump has taken some counterproductive steps.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025
When Musk is in a bad mood, well, an interview is usually counterproductive.
—ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025
Autism advocacy groups worry that Kennedy’s study may prove counterproductive.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025
But so far, Trump has taken some counterproductive steps.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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