as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterproductive
More importantly, the 1965-85 period taught us that attempts at Keynesian micromanagement are not only futile, but counterproductive.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
That can often be counterproductive because Albuquerque tends to beat pitchers up.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
Very-low-calorie diets are not recommended and tend to be counterproductive to health goals.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
With that singular directive, a counterproductive mentality can take hold; that is, everything that cuts costs is good, and anything that adds costs is bad.
—Seamus Smith, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
That can often be counterproductive because Albuquerque tends to beat pitchers up.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
Very-low-calorie diets are not recommended and tend to be counterproductive to health goals.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
With that singular directive, a counterproductive mentality can take hold; that is, everything that cuts costs is good, and anything that adds costs is bad.
—Seamus Smith, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
Last year, Harry’s legal action against the Home Office was unsuccessful and the court initially refused him permission to appeal.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
-
June became hopeful that the American rescue mission would lead to a reunion with her daughter, but that was unsuccessful.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
-
But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.—
Francine Kiefer,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sources suggest her departure may have been due to ineffective communication with her west coast bosses.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Although many in the education field support cellphone restrictions, some argue that blanket bans are too carceral and obscure deeper problems, including addictive social media platforms and ineffective teaching practices.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share