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

• creative
• productive

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

Although witness testimony tilted toward constructive engagement, security and compliance remained central themes. —Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

That would probably describe a number of the countries that are out there trying to respond with constructive deals. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

But the artist has an innate understanding that the most constructive way of wielding control can be using it to carve out moments where honest emotion is sure to be unleashed. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 July 2025

Rejecting constructive, forward-looking multi-year plans only hinders effective grid management. —Mark Case, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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