Something that is counterproductive achieves the opposite result from the one that you want to achieve.
In practice, however, such an attitude is counterproductive.
counterproductive in British English
(ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv)
adjective
tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim
counterproductive in American English
(ˈkaʊntərprəˌdʌktɪv)
adjective
bringing about effects or results regarded as contrary to those intended
Examples of 'counterproductive' in a sentence
counterproductive
There is concern that such incidents may prove counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The whole issue of walls has proven to be counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The risk is that such confidence proves counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Police clashes with crowds are already fuelling anger and a crackdown might well prove counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is full of law changes that proved wildly counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It betrayed a naivety that proved counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But government raids on house churches have proved somewhat counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The tragedy of all this is how counterproductive it now seems.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
The timing of the book seems counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But at worst they become counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
If you stay too long in this gray area, it becomes counterproductive.
Christianity Today (2000)
The researchers say that this may be counterproductive with middle-aged women.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Moreover, the ban on ransoms may actually be counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Indeed, it may be counterproductive to put compost into the planting hole.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In any case, ostentatious secrecy can often be counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In an individual sport like tennis or golf, desperation to get results can often be counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In the crusade to change behaviour, scientific studies that suggest there is a genetic component to weight problems can prove counterproductive.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The bill is not the best means of maximising the contribution universities can make, and may indeed be counterproductive, causing mistrust and alienation.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
counterproductive
British English: counterproductive ADJECTIVE
Something that is counter-productive achieves the opposite result from the one that you want to achieve.
In practice, however, such an attitude is counter-productive.
American English: counterproductive
Brazilian Portuguese: contraproducente
Chinese: 产生相反结果的
European Spanish: contraproducente
French: contre-productif
German: kontraproduktiv
Italian: controproducente
Japanese: 逆効果の
Korean: 역효과의
European Portuguese: contraproducente
Latin American Spanish: contraproducente
British English: counter-productive ADJECTIVE
Something that is counter-productive achieves the opposite result from the one that you want to achieve.
In practice, such an attitude is counter-productive.