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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the European plan is a constructive one that could actually end the war. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Nov. 2025

All that and more can lead to constructive interactions. —Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 21 Nov. 2025

In June, Lugano sued Ferder, claiming fraud, concealment, constructive fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025

Barings is taking a constructive stance on gilts amid a loosening labor market, softening wage growth, hopes that inflation is peaking and an assumption that the Bank of England will continue to cut interest rates through 2026. —Chloe Taylor,hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 Nov. 2025

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