Consider **counterproductive** and **detrimental**. > counterproductive: thwarting the achievement of an intended goal; tending to defeat one's purpose [Random House](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/counterproductive?s=t) > > *I helped him cheat his way through college, which eventuated in being counterproductive, since now he has no job.* > > detrimental: causing loss or injury; harmful; damaging [Random > House](http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/detrimental) Alternately, **double-edged**, or the phrase **work against someone**, might fit the bill. > *I helped him cheat his way through college; now he has no job. I did him a double-edged favor.* > >*I helped him cheat his way through college, which eventually worked against him, since now he has no job.*