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

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

What kind of footage do people need to see for the United States to change its foreign policy in a way which would be constructive for the people who are living here, in a way which will push us towards some kind of political solution? —Leah Asmelash, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

To engage and retain high performers, managers should provide constructive feedback, highlighting areas of growth. —Rocki Howard, Harvard Business Review, 1 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