as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
Musk, whose businesses rely heavily on international supply chains affected by the tariffs, has called these moves economically counterproductive.
—
Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
With the Chinese government’s close ties to both exhibitors and property developers, implementing policies that could damage theater attendance seems counterproductive to Beijing’s economic interests.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Now, a new study may shed light on why consuming too much of the artificial sweetener sucralose could be counterproductive.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Fighting this foreign free riding is critically important -- but not all methods are equally effective, and some reforms under consideration may even be counterproductive.
—Tomas J. Philipson, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
With the Chinese government’s close ties to both exhibitors and property developers, implementing policies that could damage theater attendance seems counterproductive to Beijing’s economic interests.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Now, a new study may shed light on why consuming too much of the artificial sweetener sucralose could be counterproductive.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Fighting this foreign free riding is critically important -- but not all methods are equally effective, and some reforms under consideration may even be counterproductive.
—Tomas J. Philipson, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
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June became hopeful that the American rescue mission would lead to a reunion with her daughter, but that was unsuccessful.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
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Last year, Harry’s legal action against the Home Office was unsuccessful and the court initially refused him permission to appeal.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
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But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.—
Francine Kiefer,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The White House takes aim at the Biden administration and Democrats’ handling of the pandemic, arguing lockdowns were detrimental, masks were ineffective, and the 6-foot distance rule was arbitrarily made up by Fauci.—
Elaine Mallon,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Apr. 2025
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If both avoidance and OTC medicines are ineffective, an allergist may suggest exposure therapy in the form of shots, which help people become less sensitive to their allergy triggers over time.—
Sarah Cottone,
Health,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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