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

Perhaps there was a constructive thought behind the conscious decision to mute clubhouse reminders of that decade-old dynastic run. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 June 2025

He was fired from the Fayetteville job after less than a year because of subpar performance and failure to accept constructive criticism, according to KHBS/KHOG. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 7 June 2025

At a minimum, Lee should articulate a new vision—the peaceful coexistence of two sovereign states—and nudge the South Korean public toward a more realistic and constructive approach. —John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025

Grateful for Egypt’s constructive role in supporting peaceful, diplomatic solutions to regional challenges. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 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