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

Benjamin Lohr, Asia funds partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, struck a similarly constructive tone. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026

So, yes, an open, constructive two-way dialogue. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Wang said Beijing and Ottawa should jointly play a constructive role in a settlement. —Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026

Lawmakers and aides have called the conversations constructive with positive headway. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 24 Mar. 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