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 1930Synonyms
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
If certain gender-affirming care interventions turn out to be counterproductive, does mandatory coverage actually benefit patients?
—Ge Bai, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
This move, described as reckless by Petty, was seen as a counterproductive decision that ultimately cost him valuable positions in a race critical to his standing heading into the playoffs.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Accordingly, Washington’s aim should be to make clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping how counterproductive and costly to Beijing’s interests these new relationships will turn out to be.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
Seymour also warns that using internal communication platforms such as Slack to start political conversations is counterproductive.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive 
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Ge Bai, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
This move, described as reckless by Petty, was seen as a counterproductive decision that ultimately cost him valuable positions in a race critical to his standing heading into the playoffs.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Accordingly, Washington’s aim should be to make clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping how counterproductive and costly to Beijing’s interests these new relationships will turn out to be.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
Seymour also warns that using internal communication platforms such as Slack to start political conversations is counterproductive.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterproductive
Dictionary Entries Near counterproductive
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterproductive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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