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
Still, Marles suggested the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies were counterproductive.
—Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
At times of economic, social and planetary upheaval, best practice is counterproductive.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
In an apparent show of strength, Russia unleashed deadly drone strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine on Saturday and Sunday, even though Mr. Trump has criticized such attacks as counterproductive.
—Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But a lot has to do with MLS’ arcane and counterproductive salary cap rules, the upshot of which was that the Galaxy had to get rid of several players including leading scorer Dejan Joveljic.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 May 2025
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Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
At times of economic, social and planetary upheaval, best practice is counterproductive.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
In an apparent show of strength, Russia unleashed deadly drone strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine on Saturday and Sunday, even though Mr. Trump has criticized such attacks as counterproductive.
—Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 19 May 2025
But a lot has to do with MLS’ arcane and counterproductive salary cap rules, the upshot of which was that the Galaxy had to get rid of several players including leading scorer Dejan Joveljic.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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