constructive

1 of 2

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

constructiveness

2 of 2

noun

con·​struc·​tive·​ness

kən-ˈstrək-tiv-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being constructive

Synonyms of constructive

Adjective

• creative
• productive

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The Reversal Setup From a technical perspective, the stock is quietly building one of the more constructive charts in the consumer staples sector. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 23 July 2026

However, successful leaders utilize specific phrases to foster constructive dialogue. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Although the trio is known for their high standards and constructive criticism, their off-camera lives reveal a softer side. — Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

But his strategy of deferring problems instead of seeking constructive solutions to them eventually blew up, resulting in the invasion of southern Israel and the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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