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

Those changes are expected to increase the chances of large, destructive avalanches. —Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Iran's long history of destructive cyberattacks This type of attack fits into a broader pattern. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Authorities confirmed Thursday that Maurice Norington died in Aroma Park amid Tuesday’s destructive storms. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

As the population of this invasive species has exploded in recent years, so too has interest in targeting the destructive critters. —Rayna O'Nan, Outdoor Life, 12 Mar. 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