The meaning of COUNTERINTUITIVE is contrary to what one would intuitively expect. How to use counterintuitive in a sentence.

If something is counterintuitive it means it's the opposite of "intuitive" — in other words it's not easily understood in an instinctive, unconscious way. A red light for "go" and a green light for …

It may seem counterintuitive to open a shop in the middle of a recession. Steering a sailboat is counterintuitive - you push the tiller the opposite way to the way you want to go. His careful …

counterintuitive (ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv) adj 1. (of an idea, proposal, etc) seemingly contrary to common sense

counterintuitive in American English (ˈkaʊntərɪnˈtuɪtɪv , ˈkaʊntərɪnˈtjuɪtɪv ) adjective contrary to an intuitive belief or to commonsense expectations

COUNTERINTUITIVE definition: counter to what intuition would lead one to expect. See examples of counterintuitive used in a sentence.

When something is described as counterintuitive, it implies that a person’s initial reaction or belief about the situation opposes what actually may be correct or beneficial.

Nov 23, 2025 · counterintuitive (comparative more counterintuitive, superlative most counterintuitive) Contrary to intuition or common sense.

It may seem counterintuitive, but we do burn calories when we are sleeping.

Definition of counterintuitive adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.