counterproductive

[US]/ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/
[UK]/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. working against achieving the desired outcome; having the opposite effect

Example Sentences

Using your phone constantly during work hours can be counterproductive.

Skipping meals in an attempt to lose weight can be counterproductive to your health.

Overloading yourself with tasks can be counterproductive to your productivity.

Ignoring feedback from customers can be counterproductive to improving your business.

Being overly critical of yourself can be counterproductive to building self-confidence.

Constantly changing your study method can be counterproductive to learning efficiently.

Blaming others for your mistakes can be counterproductive to personal growth.

Lack of communication within a team can be counterproductive to achieving common goals.

Relying solely on motivation without a plan can be counterproductive to reaching your goals.

Spending too much time on social media can be counterproductive to maintaining real-life relationships.

Real-world Examples

Mr. Lavrov called the step counterproductive and said it would cause tensions.

Source: BBC Listening December 2014 Collection

Because that kind of language is counterproductive.

Source: Modern Family - Season 07

Pulling out completely, however, would be counterproductive.

Source: Time

Such limitations are counterproductive to good governance.

Source: VOA Daily Standard January 2018 Collection

Daniel Foote called it inhumane and counterproductive.

Source: PBS English News

But in real life, it's pretty counterproductive.

Source: Crash Course: Business in the Workplace

This is not just counterproductive but deeply dangerous.

Source: Lean In

Too much austerity has proved counterproductive.

Source: The Economist - Comprehensive

Banning technology at work sounds counterproductive and pretty impossible.

Source: Harvard Business Review

That's cyberloafing, and pretty clear counterproductive work behavior.

Source: Crash Course: Business in the Workplace

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