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

More generally, management offered a constructive, high-level outlook for 2027, even though official guidance won't be provided until its fourth-quarter earnings report. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

But many in the Twin Cities – including ourselves – saw these acts as constructive, creating threads of trust and support across partisan and other differences. — Trygve Throntveit, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026

Instead of being a workspace designed to meet production goals, Bureau was a display of time spent thinking, both listless and constructive, rather than a final result. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

That can create tension, but tension can be constructive and does not automatically mean conflict. — Jc Gaillard, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

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