counterproductive effect
[/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv ɪˈfɛkt/]
noun phrasepl: counterproductive effects
efeito contraproducente
1. A result or consequence that is opposite to what was intended; an outcome that hinders rather than helps achieve a goal
The new strict policy had a counterproductive effect, causing more employees to leave the company.
A nova política rigorosa teve um efeito contraproducente, causando mais funcionários a deixarem a empresa.
2. An action or intervention that produces the opposite of the desired result
Punishing the child too harshly had a counterproductive effect on their behavior.
Punir a criança com dureza demais teve um efeito contraproducente no seu comportamento.
This term is widely used in professional, academic, and policy discussions in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'contraproducente' is a direct borrowing from English that has become increasingly common in business and governmental contexts. The concept is frequently discussed in management, psychology, and public policy debates, reflecting concerns about unintended negative consequences of well-intentioned actions.
NYC Slang
backfire / own goal
Related Idioms & Phrases
backfire in someone's face
defeat the purpose
achieve the opposite effect
shoot oneself in the foot
have the opposite effect
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