corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective punishment

corrective noun

correctively adverb

Synonyms

• reformative
• beneficial
• remedial

Examples of corrective in a Sentence

She had corrective surgery on her knee this past summer.

People with bad eyesight usually need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

The recall will not be closed until the FDA determines corrective actions have addressed safety concerns. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Acknowledge failure promptly and plan corrective action. 5. —Gisela Carere, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

While there is no official failing score, state law requires immediate corrective action if an eatery receives more than 30 demerits. —Paris Goodman july 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2025

Working to ensure the district meets requirements in the district's corrective action plan with the state Department of Public Instruction to submit missing financial data and improve the district's financial reporting practices. —Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 5 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing corrective

• self-corrective

Rhymes for corrective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

Kids Definition

corrective

adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: serving to correct : having the power of making right, normal, or regular

corrective lenses

corrective action

corrective noun

Medical Definition

corrective

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​rec·​tive kə-ˈrek-tiv 

: intended to correct

corrective lenses

corrective surgery

correctively adverb

corrective

2 of 2 noun

: a medication that removes undesirable or unpleasant side effects of other medication

phenobarbital acts as a corrective in overcoming the insomnia produced by ephedrine