counterproductive

UK: /ˌkaʊntə^rprəˈdʌktɪv/

US: /ˌkaʊntɚprəˈdʌktɪv/

US: (koun′tər prə duk′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

coun•ter•pro•duc•tive /ˌkaʊntɚprəˈdʌktɪv/   adj. 

1. producing the opposite effect from what was intended:
   Your apology was counterproductive because no one believes you meant it sincerely.

coun•ter•pro•duc•tive•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

coun•ter•pro•duc•tive  (koun′tər prə duk′tiv), adj. 

1. thwarting the achievement of an intended goal;
   tending to defeat one's purpose:
   Living on credit while trying to save money is counterproductive.

• counter- + productive 1960–65

coun′ter•pro•duc′tive•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

counterproductive / ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ adjective

1. tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim