What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterproductive
Example
Yelling at your employees is counterproductive and can decrease their motivation. [counterproductive: adjective]
Example
The new software system turned out to be counterproductive, causing more errors than the old one. [counterproductive: adjective]
ineffective
Example
The medication was ineffective in treating her symptoms. [ineffective: adjective]
Example
The marketing campaign was ineffective in attracting new customers. [ineffective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ineffective is more commonly used than counterproductive in everyday language. Ineffective is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while counterproductive is more specific and often used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counterproductive and ineffective?
Counterproductive is generally considered more formal than ineffective. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe actions or strategies that have negative consequences on progress or success.
