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 1930Synonyms
Examples 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
There may be strategic reasons for having a diverse workforce, especially to reflect the firm’s customer base, but imposing government requirements on anything but merit and the interests of the company is counterproductive.
—Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Plus, dwelling on perfect work-life balance can be counterproductive and cause undue anxiety, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor Jeff Karp told CNBC Make It last year.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
Project 2025 also outlines plans for significant cuts to the federal workforce, focusing on reducing regulations and eliminating agencies seen as unnecessary or counterproductive.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive 
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Phillip Molnar, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Plus, dwelling on perfect work-life balance can be counterproductive and cause undue anxiety, Harvard Medical School and MIT professor Jeff Karp told CNBC Make It last year.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
Project 2025 also outlines plans for significant cuts to the federal workforce, focusing on reducing regulations and eliminating agencies seen as unnecessary or counterproductive.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive
Dictionary Entries Near counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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