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
Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share cybersecurity tools and initiatives that may not be as effective as they’re commonly believed to be—and in some cases, could even be counterproductive.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Almost everywhere Trump tried economic coercion against adversaries, the results were lackluster or counterproductive.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
But some observers say the Trump administration's approach so far has been indiscriminate and counterproductive.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025
Even the threat of tariffs tends to drive up inflation, which is counterproductive to Trump’s own election goals and will harm American consumers.
—John A. Ragosta, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Almost everywhere Trump tried economic coercion against adversaries, the results were lackluster or counterproductive.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
But some observers say the Trump administration's approach so far has been indiscriminate and counterproductive.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025
Even the threat of tariffs tends to drive up inflation, which is counterproductive to Trump’s own election goals and will harm American consumers.
—John A. Ragosta, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 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 15 Mar. 2025.
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