C2adjectiveworkbusiness
US/ˌkaʊn.tər.prəˈdʌk.tɪv/
UK/ˌkaʊn.tə.prəˈdʌk.tɪv/
having the opposite effect to the one you wanted
In context
Working very long hours can be counterproductive because tired people make more mistakes.
Punishing staff for every small error is counterproductive.
Experts warned that the price controls could prove counterproductive and cause shortages.
Words that go with counterproductive
adjective + preposition
- counterproductive toworking against what you want to achieveWorking late every night can be counterproductive to your health.
adverb + adjective
- potentially counterproductivepossibly having the opposite effectToo much pressure is potentially counterproductive for young learners.
- ultimately counterproductivein the end having the opposite effectStrict rules can be ultimately counterproductive in a creative team.
verb + adjective
- prove counterproductiveturn out to have the opposite effectThe ban may prove counterproductive and push people toward illegal sales.