constructive

adjective con·struc·tive \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv \

|Updated on: 20 Aug 2018

Examples: constructive in a Sentence

Definition of constructive

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

See constructive defined for English-language learners

See constructive defined for kids

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 of constructive from the Web

But if this venture succeeds, there’s nothing that could be done, aside from changing human nature, that would be more constructive for our society.

— sam tanenhaus, Town & Country, "Can Chris Whittle Launch a Truly Global School?," 10 July 2018
The most effective way to transform culture and mute divisiveness is through continued constructive dialogue.

— jamie l. lareau, Detroit Free Press, "Hate mail reinforces the gender divide in the car business," 21 June 2018
This builds constructive dialogue and accountability around issues of engagement, while encouraging employees to act and take ownership of the workplace culture.

— fraser marlow, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Listen up — before it’s too late," 19 Apr. 2018
The conversation was facilitated by Essential Partners, an organization with a mission to foster constructive dialogue.

— michelle holmes, AL.com, "Civil talk about guns? See Americans make it happen," 4 Apr. 2018
Talk about work in a positive way, highlighting comments in a constructive way that lifts people up.

— kimberly thompson, Houston Chronicle, "Career Rescue: Use care with office politics navigation," 3 Apr. 2018
Where are our male allies and advocates for constructive change?

— patrick crowley, Billboard, "FLETCHER Shares #MeToo-Inspired Track 'I Believe You' With Poignant Open Letter: 'I'm Listening, We All Are'," 9 Mar. 2018
The global oil-market supply backdrop also remains constructive, analysts said, with crude prices trading near more-than-three-year highs earlier in the week.

— david hodari, WSJ, "Oil Prices Mixed On Libya Supply, Trade Concerns," 12 July 2018
Muken lowered price targets across his coverage area to reflect a less constructive view of long-term margins.

— Fortune, "Here’s What Analysts Are Saying About Amazon Buying PillPack," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constructive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of constructive

circa 1680

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

constructive Synonyms

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

constructive

adjective

Definition of constructive for English Language Learners

: helping to develop or improve something : helpful to someone instead of upsetting and negative

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for Kids

constructive

adjective con·struc·tive \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv \

Definition of constructive for Students

: helping to develop or improve something

constructive criticism

—

constructively

adverb

Law Dictionary

constructive

adjective con·struc·tive \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv \

legal Definition of constructive

: 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

Learn More about constructive

See words that rhyme with constructive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for constructive Spanish Central: Translation of constructive Nglish: Translation of constructive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of constructive for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up constructive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

constructive

Definition of constructive

constructively

constructiveness

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

Recent Examples of constructive from the Web

First Known Use of constructive

constructive Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

constructive

Definition of constructive for English Language Learners

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for Kids

constructive

Definition of constructive for Students

constructively

Law Dictionary

constructive

legal Definition of constructive

constructively

Learn More about constructive

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

A Deep Dive on 'Deep Dive'

10 Words for the Elitists in Your Life

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

Trending: Brennan: Trump's Claims are 'Hogwash'

Ghost Word