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

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

Presenting ideas for improvement makes the feedback feel supportive and keeps the conversation constructive. - Sabeer Nelliparamban, Tyler Petroleum Inc. 20. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Even just listening to Carroll’s views on the Bears’ team and structure would be constructive. —Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

We were surprised by the number of issues which the group generally agreed on and the spirit of constructive candor and engagement embodied by the group and near-unanimous optimism for moving forward. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024

Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. —Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024

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