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
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
Parents who recognize that yelling is counterproductive are more likely to seek a better course of action.
—Daryl Austin, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
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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
Parents who recognize that yelling is counterproductive are more likely to seek a better course of action.
—Daryl Austin, Parents, 14 Mar. 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 30 Mar. 2025.
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