constructive

1 of 2

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

constructiveness

2 of 2

noun

con·​struc·​tive·​ness

kən-ˈstrək-tiv-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being constructive

Synonyms of constructive

Adjective

• creative
• productive

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Market outlook That could suggest a more challenging environment for stocks, but investors remain constructive on equities overall given the underlying strength of the economy. — Sarah Min,paulina Likos, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

When people aren’t fully comfortable with their own knowledge, hearing constructive feedback can feel exposing. — Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

And Xi’s overriding goal is to present his country as a mature and constructive global leader. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Another commenter offered constructive criticism about the design. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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