Search Dictionary
Definition of counterproductively
counterproductively
/ˌkaʊn.tər.prəˈdʌk.tɪv.li/
coun · ter · pro · duc · tive · ly
Adjective:counterproductive
counterproductively Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
11
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
6
• adverb
1
In a manner that produces the opposite of the desired or intended result; in a way that hinders rather than helps achieve a goal.
Example
"Micromanaging the team acted counterproductively, lowering morale and slowing down the entire project."
• Rhymes for counterproductively
• Nearby Words
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Counterproductively. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/counterproductively