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

This keeps the long-term trend constructive, even as near-term momentum has cooled off (RSI at 50 is just an equilibrium, not a confirmation of anything). —Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

Talks among envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the United States in recent days in Abu Dhabi were constructive and another round is planned for next week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) praised the administration’s decision to deploy Homan to Minnesota, calling it a constructive step at a volatile moment. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 26 Jan. 2026

Without any constructive movement towards each other in relationships, your self-trust is likely to take a hit. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 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