as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
harsh disciplinary measures that prove to be counterproductive
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Recent Examples of counterproductive
However, the often-rapid rotation of personnel back to overseas missions is unfair, as well as counterproductive.
—
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Iranian officials have accused Washington of shifting its tone depending on its audience, calling the messaging contradictory and counterproductive.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Still, Marles suggested the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies were counterproductive.
—Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
At times of economic, social and planetary upheaval, best practice is counterproductive.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Iranian officials have accused Washington of shifting its tone depending on its audience, calling the messaging contradictory and counterproductive.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Still, Marles suggested the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies were counterproductive.
—Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
At times of economic, social and planetary upheaval, best practice is counterproductive.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterproductive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterproductive
Adjective
-
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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Yet Apple still plans to support the older, slower and inefficient Intel MacBook Pro models.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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The company said operating out of the historic buildings in midtown has become inefficient.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
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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The only part that is covered by insurance is the damaged and ultimately ineffective safe, Jonathan Youssef said.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterproductive. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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