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
Don’t go on ‘diets’ Restrictive diets are counterproductive because most of us won’t be able to stick to them perfectly and forever.
—Cnn, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Adding to that financial burden -- and giving some people a criminal record -- by ticketing them for camping is counterproductive, homeless advocates contend.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive 
Cnn, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Adding to that financial burden -- and giving some people a criminal record -- by ticketing them for camping is counterproductive, homeless advocates contend.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterproductive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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