destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun

Synonyms of destructive

• devastating
• disastrous
• devastative

Examples of destructive in a Sentence

It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.

She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.

The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.

Recent Examples on the Web

The deepest water is expected along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge could be accompanied by large and destructive waves. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Once parts are cut, technicians will use non-destructive sensors to inspect their internal density and geometry without touching the sensitive surfaces. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

The team stopped at 800 N because increasing the load further would require additional protective equipment, with a separate destructive limit test planned. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destructive

• destructive distillation
• self-destructive

Rhymes for destructive

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

Kids Definition

destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

a destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun