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Definitions

counterproductive

[koun-ter-pruh-duhk-tiv] / ˌkaʊn tər prəˈdʌk tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
counteractive
Synonyms
WEAK
checking counter to countering interfering opposite
ADJECTIVE
inutile
Synonyms
WEAK
abortive bootless disadvantageous dysfunctional expendable feckless fruitless futile good-for-nothing hopeless idle impracticable impractical incompetent ineffective ineffectual inept inoperative meaningless no good nonfunctional of no use pointless profitless purposeless scrap stupid unavailable unavailing unfunctional unproductive unprofitable unpurposed unusable unusuable unworkable vain valueless waste weak worthless
ADJECTIVE
no-account
Synonyms
STRONG
barren base empty good-for-nothing inferior nothing poor trifling waste
WEAK
abandoned abject bogus cheap contemptible despicable drossy futile ignoble inconsequential ineffective ineffectual insignificant inutile meaningless mediocre miserable no-good nugatory paltry pointless profitless sterile trashy trivial unavailing unessential unimportant unproductive unprofitable unusable useless valueless wretched
Antonyms
STRONG
fertile filled full productive sufficient superior useful
ADJECTIVE
no-good
Synonyms
WEAK
abandoned abject barren base bogus cheap contemptible despicable drossy empty futile good-for-nothing ignoble inconsequential ineffective ineffectual inferior insignificant inutile meaningless mediocre miserable no-account nothing nugatory paltry pointless poor profitless sterile trashy trifling trivial unavailing unessential unimportant unproductive unprofitable unusable useless valueless waste wretched
ADJECTIVE
prejudicial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
biased bigoted damaging detrimental disadvantageous discriminatory hurtful inimical injurious unfavorable unjust
WEAK
bad deleterious differential evil mischievous nocuous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantageous aiding assisting beneficial fair favorable friendly good helpful impartial just kind nice unbiased unprejudiced
WEAK
approving
ADJECTIVE
unusable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
expendable futile idle impractical ineffective inoperative meaningless pointless unavailable unproductive unprofitable unworkable worthless
WEAK
abortive bootless disadvantageous dysfunctional feckless fruitless good-for-nothing hopeless impracticable incompetent ineffectual inept inutile no good nonfunctional of no use profitless purposeless scrap stupid unavailing unfunctional unpurposed unusuable vain valueless waste weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
beneficial effective fruitful important meaningful productive profitable sensible useful valuable worthwhile
ADJECTIVE
useless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fruitless futile hopeless idle impractical incompetent ineffective ineffectual inoperative meaningless no good pointless stupid unproductive unworkable worthless
WEAK
abortive bootless disadvantageous dysfunctional expendable feckless good-for-nothing impracticable inept inutile nonfunctional of no use profitless purposeless scrap unavailable unavailing unfunctional unprofitable unpurposed unusuable vain valueless waste weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
effective fruitful hopeful meaningful productive profitable sensible useful valuable worthwhile
WEAK
helpful usable working
ADJECTIVE
worthless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barren bogus futile inconsequential ineffective insignificant meaningless mediocre pointless unimportant unproductive unprofitable unusable useless
WEAK
abandoned abject base cheap contemptible despicable empty good-for-nothing ignoble ineffectual inferior inutile miserable no-account no-good nothing nugatory paltry poor profitless sterile trashy trifling trivial unavailing unessential valueless waste wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
beneficial fruitful helpful important meaningful productive profitable significant useful valuable worthwhile
WEAK
worthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The committee’s doves—those most worried about the labor market and most inclined toward lower rates—have shifted from arguing why more cuts may be needed toward explaining why hikes would be counterproductive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

When I spoke to the UK's Fraud Minister, Lord Hanson of Flint, he told me punishing countries for refusing or failing to cooperate on tackling scams could be counterproductive.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

They highlight that restrictive zoning is largely to blame for underproduction relative to job growth and concur that rent control is counterproductive as it discourages the addition of supply, even with strong demand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Most of the dozens of organisations and authorities consulted on the proposal -- including the prison administration -- were against the measure that many consider counterproductive.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

On the other hand, he regarded any effort to end slavery as premature, politically impractical, and counterproductive.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing counterproductive

Nothing But the Truth

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Employment, List 2

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