destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively adverb
destructiveness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These impacts have been felt profoundly with more destructive fires, intense water shortages and flooding in California as well as in many other parts of the world. Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025 He was charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to Terrorists, Conspiracy to manufacture unregistered destructive devices and aiding and abetting the manufacture of unregistered destructive devices. Scott MacFarlane 6, CBS News, 6 July 2025 Keep your eye out for the iris borer, the most destructive insect pest of iris. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025 In some regions, particularly those hit hard by COVID-19 and economic downturns, substance abuse has become a common though destructive coping mechanism. Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for destructive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destructive was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

destructive

adjective
de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively adverb
destructiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on destructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!