cross-purpose

noun
cross-pur·​pose | \ ˈkrȯs-ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce cross-purpose (audio) \

Definition of cross-purpose

: a purpose usually unintentionally contrary to another purpose of oneself or of someone or something else usually used in plural the two were always working at cross-purposes

First Known Use of cross-purpose

1668, in the meaning defined above

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