as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
The underlying premise of the Norwegian method is that hero workouts that leave you crumpled by the side of the track are counterproductive.
—
Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 May 2025
But regulating for the sake of regulating is counterproductive, and the existing framework already goes way beyond policing fraud and consumer harms.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Some have even suggested the comments are counterproductive and could risk Trump coming off as insensitive at a time when consumer confidence is seemingly already at a five-year low.
—Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 10 May 2025
If the goal is to persuade others—or even simply to have a productive discussion—hyperbole is counterproductive.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 May 2025
But regulating for the sake of regulating is counterproductive, and the existing framework already goes way beyond policing fraud and consumer harms.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Some have even suggested the comments are counterproductive and could risk Trump coming off as insensitive at a time when consumer confidence is seemingly already at a five-year low.
—Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 10 May 2025
If the goal is to persuade others—or even simply to have a productive discussion—hyperbole is counterproductive.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
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One game after the Oilers were unsuccessful in challenging that Bennett interfered with Stuart Skinner during the game’s first goal, Bennett toppled over Skinner after getting contact from Ekholm later in the period.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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Efforts to reach Suncor officials for this story were unsuccessful.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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But banking on state governments to match the resources of the federal government—cash, expertise, largess—is an inefficient use of funds, as states in most cases have to stay in the black and cannot use debt for operations like a from-the-ground-up rebuild.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
29 May 2025
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All year long the Red Sox have been plagued by inconsistent offense, inefficient pitching and inexplicable lapses on defense and on the base paths.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Surgery may be considered if nonsurgical methods are ineffective or the underlying cause indicates surgery is the most effective option.—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
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Not only would this produce a chaotic and likely ineffective U.S. foreign policy, but the administration could run into some serious trouble with contingency planning.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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