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
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
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—
Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Often, this anxiety stems from the illusion of absolute control, an unattainable pursuit, rather than a constructive focus on self-improvement, emotional regulation and skill refinement.
—Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Through its Non-Fiction Works-in-Progress Series, the nonprofit org gathers audiences to provide constructive criticism for developing documentary filmmakers.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Boosting a colleague: How to write a proper letter of recommendation: Ask HR
Start a constructive conversation.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Often, this anxiety stems from the illusion of absolute control, an unattainable pursuit, rather than a constructive focus on self-improvement, emotional regulation and skill refinement.
—Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Through its Non-Fiction Works-in-Progress Series, the nonprofit org gathers audiences to provide constructive criticism for developing documentary filmmakers.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Boosting a colleague: How to write a proper letter of recommendation: Ask HR
Start a constructive conversation.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Harvard Law Review
constructively
adverb
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