counterproductive

adjective

coun·​ter·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌkau̇n-tər-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce counterproductive (audio)
: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal
violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductiveW. E. Brock born 1930

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
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.
Divisive, counterproductive, and morale-destroying woke and DEI policies that have permeated the military have resulted in a cratering of recruitment. Michael Zais, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024 President Biden has faced scrutiny for his decision as several Democrats on Capitol Hill have condemned the move as counterproductive to their party’s efforts toward rebuilding public trust in American institutions derided by President-elect Trump. Juliann Ventura, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 If the physical qubits are too failure-prone, error correction is counterproductive — adding more physical qubits will make the logical qubits worse, not better. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024 Google's market position emerged primarily through natural network effects and continuous innovation rather than anticompetitive mergers, making structural separation both impractical and potentially counterproductive. Roomy Khan, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counterproductive 

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterproductive was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near counterproductive

Cite this Entry

“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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