1.
counterproductive; opposite effect; backfire
A result that is the opposite of what was intended. Used when an action produces a worse outcome than doing nothing.
A compound of 逆 (reverse) + 効果 (effect). Very common in everyday conversation and writing.
Common collocations
- 逆効果になる (to become counterproductive)
- 逆効果だ (it's counterproductive)
- かえって逆効果 (on the contrary, counterproductive)
Often paired with かえって (on the contrary) to emphasize the ironic outcome. Used in parenting, health, business, and everyday advice contexts.