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

Consider creating regular feedback loops—not just during annual reviews—to give team members the opportunity to express their needs and receive constructive guidance. —Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

This trust is the foundation for constructive conflict, which is an open and honest dialogue about differing perspectives. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Vanguard’s Cunniffe is also constructive on investment-grade bonds and says the expensive valuations are justified given the state of the economy and healthy corporate balance sheets. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. —Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 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