counter productive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counter productive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing actions or strategies that have the opposite effect of what is intended. For example, "The new policy was counter productive, leading to more confusion among employees." Alternative expressions include "self-defeating" and "ineffective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The War on Terror is counter productive.

Huffington Post

Ingesting raw glutathione is counter productive.

WikiHow

This is counter productive and frankly, abusive.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is 'Prevent' proving counter-productive?

Independent

It's counter-productive.

The Guardian

It's counter-productive and corrosive.

The Guardian

It may be counter-productive, too.

The Economist

But again this is counter-productive.

The Economist

"It is reckless and counter-productive.

Independent

It's all weirdly counter-productive.

The Guardian

Exaggerated claims are equally counter-productive.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "counter productive", ensure the context clearly indicates the intended goal that is being thwarted. For instance, 'Implementing stricter rules without proper training can be "counter productive" to improving efficiency.'

Common error

Avoid using "counter productive" when the lack of results stems from external factors rather than the action itself. An action isn't "counter productive" if external circumstances are the primary cause of failure. Instead, consider using terms like 'unsuccessful' or 'ineffective' to describe outcomes influenced by external factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter productive" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to describe something that has the opposite of the intended effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counter productive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes actions or strategies that have the opposite of the intended effect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys that something is hindering progress. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, has a neutral register, and has several alternatives like "self-defeating" or "ineffective". When using the phrase, ensure that the intended goal and the way the action is hindering progress are clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-defeating

Emphasizes the inherent nature of the action leading to failure.

ineffective

Highlights the lack of desired results from the action.

detrimental

Focuses on the harmful effects caused by the action.

unproductive

Stresses the lack of positive output or progress.

fruitless

Highlights the lack of any valuable outcome or result.

futile

Emphasizes the pointlessness and ineffectiveness of the action.

adverse

Focuses on the negative or harmful consequences produced.

backfiring

Implies that the action has resulted in an outcome opposite to the intended one.

ill-advised

Indicates that the action was a poor choice or decision.

undermining

Highlights the action's weakening or destructive effect on progress.

FAQs

What does "counter productive" mean?

"Counter productive" describes an action or measure that has the opposite of the intended effect, hindering progress or creating additional problems instead of solving them.

How to use "counter productive" in a sentence?

You can use "counter productive" to describe policies, strategies, or behaviors. For example, "Excessive regulation can be "counter productive" to innovation".

What are some alternatives to "counter productive"?

Alternatives include "self-defeating", "ineffective", or "detrimental", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "counter productive" the same as "unproductive"?

While both terms relate to a lack of positive results, "counter productive" implies the action actively hinders progress, whereas "unproductive" simply means it fails to produce the desired outcome. Something "unproductive" might just be a waste of time, while something "counter productive" makes the situation worse.