counterproductive

adjective coun·ter·pro·duc·tive \-prə-ˈdək-tiv\

: not helpful : making the thing you want to happen less likely to happen

Full Definition of COUNTERPRODUCTIVE

: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal <violence as a means to achieve an end is counterproductive — W. E. Brock b1930>

See counterproductive defined for English-language learners

1959

Synonyms: ineffective, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient

Antonyms: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

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