When it comes to expressing actions that hinder or impede progress, there are several synonyms for the phrase "worked against". One could use phrases such as "foiled", "countered", "thwarted", "obstructed", "opposed", or "resisted". These terms imply an active effort to stop or limit someone or something's success. Conversely, one could use less confrontational phrases such as "did not aid", "were not conducive to", or "were not supportive of". These terms suggest a lack of effort or neutrality, rather than direct opposition. Overall, there are many ways to express the idea of working against something, each with their unique connotations and nuances.