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 of constructive

• creative
• 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

The hope for all in the paddock will be for constructive efforts to ensure any similar events are prevented in the future. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Key career milestones, like performance reviews, constructive feedback, career development conversations and major organizational changes, should remain strictly human to human. — Carrie Varoquiers, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

That’s not constructive, but our tariffs are necessary to protect our workers, protect our companies and our communities. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Besides raising concerns, experts also pointed to the constructive role of hedge fund in the Treasury market. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for constructive

• abductive
• conductive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

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