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 III
W. E. Brock IIIExamples 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
While many components of Prop 103 have obviously been effective, some have been counterproductive and need reform.
—Steven Bradford, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
But spending money on an international force while opening the door for mass deportations of TPS-holders back to the country – if that’s how the court rules – could be counterproductive to that aim.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Armor said no Armor entity assumes financial responsibility for offsite medical costs, therefore there is no financial incentive to delay or avoid sending a patient to the hospital, adding that delaying hospital care is counterproductive.
—Nichole Manna, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
Some experts pointed out that for people who are trying to eat more fiber, front-loading it in a single meal might be counterproductive because eating too much fiber too quickly can cause GI discomfort.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Steven Bradford, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
But spending money on an international force while opening the door for mass deportations of TPS-holders back to the country – if that’s how the court rules – could be counterproductive to that aim.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Armor said no Armor entity assumes financial responsibility for offsite medical costs, therefore there is no financial incentive to delay or avoid sending a patient to the hospital, adding that delaying hospital care is counterproductive.
—Nichole Manna, ProPublica, 28 Apr. 2026
Some experts pointed out that for people who are trying to eat more fiber, front-loading it in a single meal might be counterproductive because eating too much fiber too quickly can cause GI discomfort.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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