destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun

Synonyms

• annihilatory
• calamitous
• cataclysmal
• cataclysmic
• devastating
• devastative
• disastrous
• ruinous

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

But the end of Kings of Tupelo demonstrates once again how destructive—and addictive—the pull of conspiracy theories can be. —Barry Levitt, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

To be sure, there’s no need to cross the line and be complicit in any antisocial, unethical, or destructive behaviors. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

That is a marked contrast from some destructive fires to hit the region in recent years. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

While Yemaya represents healing and nurturing, her daughter Oya wields the tempestuous force of storms, a power both awe-inspiring and destructive. —Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destructive

• destructive distillation
• self-destructive

Kids Definition

destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: causing destruction : ruinous

a destructive storm

2

: designed or tending to hurt or destroy

destructive criticism

destructively adverb

destructiveness noun