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counterproductive Definition

counter·pro·duc·tive (ko̵unt′ər prə duk′tiv)

adjective

bringing about effects or results regarded as contrary to those intended

counterproductive Usage Examples

Infinitive complement

  • have: So - is it counterproductive to have a march that looks small and doesn't give a clear message anyway?
  • make: In any case, it would be counterproductive to make our NATO policies hostage to Duma intransigence on START II.
  • behave: It is only counterproductive to behave in the reserved and mild way allegedly typical of the British.

Modifies a noun

  • policy: In practice, on the global stage, rich countries pursue counterproductive policies with vigor.
  • waste: We will bitterly regret this counterproductive waste of public money in decades to come, and I invite you all to support the motion.
  • war: This illegal, immoral and counterproductive war has already cost more than 22,000 lives.
  • way: The dislike of the minority for cars must not blind us to act in a counterproductive way.
  • secrecy: A final example shows how counterproductive secrecy can be.

Modifying Another Word

  • entirely: Firstly, that violence of all kinds was wrong and was entirely counterproductive.
  • actively: It demonstrates what drug law reformers have been saying for decades, that the war on drugs has failed and is often actively counterproductive.
  • actually: After an exhaustive evaluation within the US government, we decided that the Protocol was actually counterproductive.
  • completely: She was absolutely adamant that what I am standing for is completely counterproductive.
  • often: Because he did not succeed, present legislation is one sided and often counterproductive.
  • also: It is probably also counterproductive in economic terms, in that it tends to produce a less capable workforce.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: Dike's candor on the point could prove counterproductive.
  • seem: For the UK authorities to deny such a prominent civic leader the chance to be heard seems totally counterproductive.
  • become: When does encouragement become pressure and so become counterproductive?
  • consider: However, this is considered counterproductive to the aim of waste minimisation.

Preposition: in

  • term: In fact this approach is counterproductive in terms of sound motor learning.
  • extreme: This isn't just absurd, but counterproductive in the extreme.