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 Both Lyman and Nordhaus say shrinking the NRC would be counterproductive. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025 But not entirely on how or who’s in charge Harvard’s public refusal of Trump’s demands, Ackman asserted this week, was a counterproductive move that led to an unnecessary legal fight, as the university soon sued the government to restore its funding. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 6 May 2025 Many Chinese and Russian goals are incompatible with our interests, and both countries will be counterproductive actors in the foreseeable future. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025 The standard method of dealing with inflation—raising interest rates—is at best irrelevant and in many cases actively counterproductive. Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
  • Officials said he was found semiconscious on the River Trail on June 30 but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Efforts to refloat the ship during high tide on Thursday were unsuccessful.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • But banking on state governments to match the resources of the federal government—cash, expertise, largess—is an inefficient use of funds, as states in most cases have to stay in the black and cannot use debt for operations like a from-the-ground-up rebuild.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Flood irrigation is still used in some places, and continues to be proven inefficient when compared with modern techniques.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • At least for now, the biggest differentiator between effective and ineffective use of AI for marketing strategy or content production is the human in the driver’s seat.
    Andrew Allen, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Appealing a death sentence Ritchie’s attorneys have fought the death sentence, arguing his legal counsel at trial was ineffective because his lawyers failed to fully investigate and present evidence on his fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and childhood lead exposure.
    Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

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“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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