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

Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. —Bruce Shipowski, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Dec. 2024

This year, our Center at NYU Stern launched a multi-stakeholder working group to advance informed and constructive regulation of the industry, which includes companies, regulators, academic experts, and representatives of civil society. —Michael Posner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

And despite the prison detour, my interrupted reporting trip had been constructive. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

George Osborne, chairman of the British Museum, acknowledged the constructive nature of the ongoing talks but noted that an agreement is still a way off. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 5 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