counterproductive
Syllables
coun-ter-pro-duc-tive
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/
Stress
00101
Morphemes
counter- + pro-duc- + -tive
Counterproductive is a five-syllable adjective (coun-ter-pro-duc-tive) with primary stress on 'pro-duc-'. It's built from Latin roots and prefixes, and syllabification follows standard English rules. It means having the opposite of the desired effect.
Definitions
- 1
Having the opposite of the desired effect; defeating its own purpose.
“His attempt to mediate was actually counterproductive.”
“The new regulations proved to be counterproductive, stifling innovation.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('pro-duc-'). The first syllable has secondary stress.
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, onset 'c', vowel 'au', coda 'n'. ter — Open syllable, onset 't', vowel 'er', coda null. pro — Open syllable, onset 'p', vowel 'o', coda null. duc — Open syllable, onset 'd', vowel 'u', coda 'c'. tive — Open syllable, onset 't', vowel 'i', coda 'v'
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Following Consonant Rule
Consonants following a vowel generally belong to the following syllable.
Onset-Coda Rule
Syllables typically have an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a coda (final consonant(s)).
- The prefix 'counter-' can sometimes be pronounced with a reduced vowel.
- Regional variations in vowel pronunciation might affect the phonetic realization of syllables.
Nearby Words
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