The meaning of COUNTERPRODUCTIVE is tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal. How to use counterproductive in a sentence.

COUNTERPRODUCTIVE definition: thwarting the achievement of an intended goal; tending to defeat one's purpose. See examples of counterproductive used in a sentence.

COUNTERPRODUCTIVE definition: 1. having an effect that is opposite to the one intended or wanted: 2. having an effect that is…. Learn more.

Definition of counterproductive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Something that does the opposite of what you intend is counterproductive. Staying up all night to study for that history test will be counterproductive — you'll be so tired that you won't remember any of the …

counterproductive (ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv) adj tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim

Counterproductive refers to an action or behavior that has an opposite effect to what was intended or desired, resulting in harm or making a situation worse. Instead of advancing or assisting, it hinders, …

Mar 22, 2026 · Adjective counterproductive (comparative more counterproductive, superlative most counterproductive) More of a hindrance than a help.

counterproductive in American English (ˌkauntərprəˈdʌktɪv) adjective thwarting the achievement of an intended goal; tending to defeat one's purpose

The word "counterproductive" is an adjective that describes actions, efforts, or processes that have the opposite effect of what is intended or desired. When something is deemed counterproductive, it …