self-defeating

[ self-di-fee-ting, self- ]

adjective

1. serving to frustrate, thwart, etc., one's own intention or interests:

   His behavior was certainly self-defeating.

self-defeating

adjective

1. (of a plan, action, etc) unable to achieve the intended result

Example Sentences

It would seem like a self-defeating move for a government contractor to become a tax exile.

From The Daily Beast

Even that most fundamental American activity of pursuing happiness can become a self-defeating drive.

From The Daily Beast

This isn't a policy in any coherent sense of that word; it's an artifact of resentment, a self-defeating relic from another era.

From The Daily Beast

From a clinical point of view, Dr. Foehl opined, this behavior would be labeled as a “self-defeating personality disorder.”

From The Daily Beast

I believe absolutely and positively that violence is self-defeating.

From The Daily Beast

Newcomb had his share in wrenching the boat-hooks from their hold and in the feverish self-defeating activity of the oarsmen.

From Project Gutenberg

Not only would such an attempt involve impossible inquiries, but the attempt would be self-defeating.

From Project Gutenberg

Born of crass ignorance and self-defeating greed, it cannot bear the light.

From Project Gutenberg

Piecemeal operations within each lesser drainage area can be self-defeating or, at the very least, needlessly expensive.

From Project Gutenberg

No, it would be self-defeating folly to make Wagner appear less in order to have Strauss appear more.

From Project Gutenberg