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
Jose Palma, co-coordinator at the National TPS Alliance, said the move was counterproductive.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
If the goal is to obtain compliance, masks are counterproductive.
—Christy Lopez Guest, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Unfortunately, these actions are often counterproductive.
—Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Opening windows at night may be counterproductive due to rising nighttime temperatures and potential humidity increase.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025
If the goal is to obtain compliance, masks are counterproductive.
—Christy Lopez Guest, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Unfortunately, these actions are often counterproductive.
—Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Opening windows at night may be counterproductive due to rising nighttime temperatures and potential humidity increase.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 27 June 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 18 Jul. 2025.
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