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

• formative
• productive

Example Sentences

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

Iger told investors that recent talks with Comcast had been constructive. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2023

And of course, that's something that Congress wrestles with every year, and so our hope is that those conversations also continue and- and arrive at a constructive place MARGARET BRENNAN: So that the goal is still whole deal by June 1st. —CBS News, 14 May 2023

Make good use of the constructive energies the sun and Saturn are casting down. —USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2023

Raising critters for food is a healthy, constructive activity in which the entire family can take part. —John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2023

One of the best ways to identify and mitigate executive hubris is to foster a culture of constructive feedback. —Ana Reed, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

Libra September 23-October 22 A criticism that was meant to be constructive can strike a nerve for you. —Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2023

Ultimately, Holdsworth’s hope is that the negotiations in Sherman Oaks reach a constructive conclusion. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2023

After the performance, all four coaches offered kudos and constructive criticism to the singers. —Mary Colurso | [e-mail], al, 7 Apr. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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