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

To combat this, leaders should actively reward constructive questioning and curiosity. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Many of Reddit’s other personal style forums serve up a healthy mix of positive validation and constructive criticism. —Oscar Holland, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. —Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Nov. 2024

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to Trump around two hours after his tariff announcement, with the conversation described as constructive, The New York Times and the BBC reported, both citing a Canadian official. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 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