is counterproductive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is counterproductive" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is having the opposite or undesirable effect of what is intended. Example: "The strict dress code at work is counterproductive, as it decreases employee morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is counterproductive.

The New York Times

This is counterproductive.

The New York Times

That is counterproductive.

Harvard University

Excluding them is counterproductive".

The New York Times - Sports

Overregulation is counterproductive.

The New York Times

That stubbornness is counterproductive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They are counterproductive.

The New York Times

These policies are counterproductive.

The New York Times

It can be counterproductive".

Independent

It was counterproductive.

The New York Times

"It's counterproductive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is counterproductive", ensure the context clearly defines the intended outcome or goal that the action is hindering. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is counterproductive" in situations where a simpler, more direct term like "is unhelpful" or "is ineffective" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is counterproductive" serves as a predicative adjective, describing a subject whose actions or attributes hinder progress or achieve the opposite of the intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is counterproductive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes an action or strategy that hinders progress or achieves the opposite of the intended outcome. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the intended outcome to highlight the detrimental effect, and to avoid overuse in simplistic scenarios. Alternatives like "is self-defeating" or "is detrimental" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is self-defeating

Focuses on the action undermining itself, rather than simply hindering progress.

is detrimental

Highlights the damaging or harmful aspect of the action.

is unproductive

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or efficiency.

is unhelpful

Indicates that the action does not provide assistance or support.

is adverse

Highlights the unfavorable or negative consequences of the action.

is inhibiting progress

Specifically points out that the action is slowing down or preventing advancement.

is a hindrance

Identifies the action as an obstacle or impediment.

is working against its goals

Focuses on the action opposing its intended objectives.

is undermining efforts

Highlights the action weakening or damaging existing attempts.

is backfiring

Emphasizes the action producing an unintended and negative result.

FAQs

How can I use "is counterproductive" in a sentence?

Use "is counterproductive" to describe an action or strategy that has the opposite of the intended effect. For example, "Excessive regulation "is counterproductive", hindering innovation and economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "is counterproductive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is self-defeating", "is detrimental", or "is unproductive".

When is it appropriate to use "is counterproductive"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that an action not only fails to achieve its intended goal but also actively works against it. Ensure the context clearly establishes the intended goal.

Is "is counterproductive" a formal or informal expression?

"Is counterproductive" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, be mindful of your audience and choose simpler alternatives if clarity is paramount.