self-destructive

adjective

self-de·​struc·​tive ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv 

: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself

self-destructive behavior

also : suicidal

a self-destructive impulse

self-destructiveness noun

Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Your husband is addicted to alcohol and nicotine and is self-destructive. —Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

These characters, despite their designer labels and extravagant lifestyles, are often miserable, insecure, or self-destructive. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Costello’s self-destructive testimony forces viewers to debate whether De Niro himself is in touch with legality, or the morality of politics. —Armond White, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025

Studies show that mass deportations can lead to billions in economic losses, highlighting the self-destructive nature of these policies. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-destructive

• deconstructive
• nondestructive
• nonproductive
• reconstructive
• reproductive
• unproductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive

Medical Definition

self-destructive

adjective

self-de·​struc·​tive -ˈstrək-tiv 

: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself

self-destructive behavior

also : suicidal

self-destructively adverb

self-destructiveness noun