counterproductive
having the opposite effect to the one intended; tending to hinder rather than help a goal
Word origin: From Latin contra (against) plus producere, to bring forth.
Counterproductive in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing counterproductive in a sentence.
Strict punishment without rehabilitation is often counterproductive, increasing recidivism rather than reducing it.
Punishing employees for reporting errors proved counterproductive, since it simply taught them to hide mistakes.
Using “counterproductive” well
Counterproductive describes action that works against its own aim, which is stronger than merely ineffective: it actively sets the goal back. It pairs with self-defeating.
More GRE words starting with C
a small secret group plotting against a government or authority
having a hidden or mysterious meaning understood only by initiates
a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds
to obtain something by begging or sponging off others
falling off or shed at an early stage, especially of plant parts
to coax someone into doing something through flattery or persuasion
an event causing great damage, loss, or distress
misty, dim, or dark, and therefore obscure
Questions about “counterproductive”
See these words the way the GRE tests them.
Definitions in isolation do not stick. Sit a free, full-length GRE mock and meet this vocabulary inside real text completion and sentence equivalence questions, with your score and a worked solution for every answer.