counterintuitive

[koun-ter-in-too-i-tiv, -tyoo-]

adjective

1. counter to what intuition would lead one to expect.

   The direction we had to follow was counterintuitive—we had to go north first before we went south.

counterintuitive

/ ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv /

adjective

1. (of an idea, proposal, etc) seemingly contrary to common sense

2. intelligence collected about enemy espionage

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterintuitive¹

First recorded in 1960–65; counter- + intuitive

Example Sentences

This will seem counterintuitive, especially in the era of rapid-fire trading and zero-dated options, when every hour seems like a chance to make money.

Read more on Barron's

This will seem counterintuitive, especially in the era of rapid-fire trading and zero-dated options, when every hour seems like a chance to make money.

Read more on Barron's

Launching a new cable network in today’s media environment would seem counterintuitive, with subscribers ditching those channels in favor of streaming services, and some entertainment companies are contemplating cutting channels.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It sounds counterintuitive — after all, aren’t luxury brands based on the concept of exclusivity?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I wanted to cast people who were somewhat counterintuitive,” says Ross.

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Related Words

• unreasonable