destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun

Synonyms of destructive

• devastating
• disastrous
• devastative

Examples of destructive in a Sentence

It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.

She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.

The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.

Recent Examples on the Web

More broadly, the chapter stresses timing, environmental conditions, coordination, and restraint, warning against destructive action that serves no clear strategic purpose. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

The development of cutting-edge, non-destructive techniques has been helping to unlock those secrets, aiding conservation efforts. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

The couple were federally charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, along with possession of machine guns and destructive devices. — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

The past two years have illustrated that powerful and destructive hurricanes can still occur well after the season's peak, with Hurricane Helene striking in late September and Hurricane Milton in early October 2024. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destructive

• destructive distillation
• self-destructive

Rhymes for destructive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

a destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun