constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: declared such by judicial construction or interpretation

constructive fraud

2

: of or relating to construction or creation

3

: promoting improvement or development

constructive criticism

constructively adverb

constructiveness noun

Synonyms of constructive

• creative
• productive

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

I tried to offer constructive criticism.

Your feedback was not very constructive.

The program helps people recently released from prison figure out how they can play a constructive role in society.

Recent Examples on the Web

The relief bounce in stocks is generally constructive, with upside volume some 70% of the total, though perhaps not an all-clear signal. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

And now, instead of constructive engagement or simply disengagement, America has demonstrated a trend toward behavior that undermines aggressive climate goals. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of famed zookeeper and television personality Steve Irwin further elaborated just why Russell's constructive criticism means so much. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

If growth stabilizes into early 2026, the back end may prove stickier, creating mild steepening constructive for financials (net-interest margins) and for cyclicals with heavy short-term funding needs. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for constructive

• abductive
• conductive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

: helping to develop or improve something

constructive suggestions

constructively adverb

constructiveness noun

Legal Definition

constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

: created by a legal fiction: as

a

: inferred by a judicial construction or interpretation

b

: not actual but implied by operation of the law

made a constructive entry when he refused to take the opportunity for a voluntary departure

—Harvard Law Review

compare actual

constructively adverb