counterproductive

[koun-ter-pruh-duhk-tiv]

adjective

1. thwarting the achievement of an intended goal; tending to defeat one's purpose.

   Living on credit while trying to save money is counterproductive.

counterproductive

/ ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv /

adjective

1. tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim

Other Word Forms

• counterproductively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterproductive¹

First recorded in 1960–65; counter- + productive

Example Sentences

The high emotion and fury sweeping around the stadium, with Liverpool in the line of fire, was counterproductive as the hosts lacked any composure and measure, for all their domination of territory and possession.

From BBC

“Some of his agenda is really ridiculous and very counterproductive,” she said.

From Salon

The strategy of fighting partisan gerrymandering with more partisan gerrymandering is counterproductive and potentially destructive to democratic institutions.

From Los Angeles Times

The policy change reflects an understanding that complete export restrictions may be counterproductive, as China will continue developing AI capabilities regardless of U.S. chip access.

From Los Angeles Times

The capitulation strategy is fundamentally flawed and counterproductive, as institutions that initially tried appeasement, like Columbia University, discovered that giving in to demands did not provide lasting protection.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fruitless 
• futile 
• hopeless 
• idle 
• impractical 
• incompetent 
• ineffective 
• ineffectual 
• inoperative 
• meaningless 
• pointless 
• stupid 
• unproductive 
• unworkable 
• worthless