counterproductive

adjective

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

Synonyms of counterproductive

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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.
But their fervor ironically winds up being counterproductive, yielding a jumbled tonal mess that feels deadly serious one moment and like parody the next. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 The lesson is not to abandon the region but to rethink an approach that has become both too costly and counterproductive. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 Industry analysts note that abandoning the export ban reflects recognition that such restrictions could prove counterproductive. — CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 His research interests include event system theory and workplace behaviors, especially proactive behaviors (such as creativity and citizenship), and counterproductive ones (such as turnover and abusive supervision). — Cynthia Lee, Harvard Business Review, 1 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for counterproductive

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Browse Nearby Words

counterpressure
counterproductive
counterprogram
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Cite this Entry

“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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