Counterproductive
Having the opposite of the desired effect; actions or policies that hinder rather than help progress.
adjectiveCounterproductive
Having the opposite of the desired effect; actions or policies that hinder rather than help progress.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a company implements a new efficiency policy that adds extra approvals for even simple tasks. The policy is supposed to speed things up, but the extra steps slow everyone down and actually reduce overall productivity.
Sounds Like
KOWN-tər-prə-DUK-tiv
Looks Like
counter- + productive; resembles the word 'productive' but with opposite meaning
Remember This
Counterproductive describes actions that backfire. The prefix 'counter-' means against or opposite, and it appears frequently in business, policy, and psychology contexts.
Other Forms
Connect With
productive; detrimental; hindering; backfire; undermine; ineffective
Note
Commonly used with 'to' or 'for' (e.g., counterproductive to progress, counterproductive for morale). Do not confuse with 'unproductive' (not producing results).