# counterintuitive

/kˌaʊntəɹɪntjˈuːɪtˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/counterintuitive
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

describing something that is hard to understand because it goes against what you expect. It feels like the opposite of what common sense would tell you.

For teachers: contrary to what one would intuitively expect; difficult to understand because it goes against common sense or instinct. Often used to describe complex systems, data, or logical conclusions.

## Examples

- The solution to the puzzle is actually counterintuitive.
- Many people find it counterintuitive that adding more lanes to a highway can actually make traffic worse.
- The software's interface is intentionally counterintuitive, designed to prevent users from performing high-risk operations without a thorough understanding of the underlying data structures.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.