constructive

American  

[kuhn-struhk-tiv] / kənˈstrʌk tɪv /

adjective

1. helping to improve; promoting further development or advancement (destructive ).

   constructive criticism.

   Synonyms:

   useful, handy, helpful, productive

2. of, relating to, or of the nature of construction; structural.

3. deduced by inference or interpretation; inferential.

   constructive permission.

4. Law. denoting an act or condition not directly expressed but inferred from other acts or conditions.

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constructive British  

/ kənˈstrʌktɪv /

adjective

1. serving to build or improve; positive

   constructive criticism

2. law deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred

3. law having a deemed legal effect

   constructive notice

4. another word for structural

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Other Word Forms

• constructively adverb
• constructiveness noun
• nonconstructive adjective
• nonconstructively adverb
• nonconstructiveness noun
• quasi-constructive adjective
• quasi-constructively adverb
• unconstructive adjective
• unconstructively adverb

Etymology

Origin of constructive

1670–80; < Medieval Latin constrūctīvus, equivalent to Latin constrūct(us) ( construct ) + īvus -ive

Explanation

If you have a constructive idea about how to improve society, you should share it. Something that is constructive brings about improvement and growth. Constructive is an adjective associated with encouraging development, physical or otherwise. It is the opposite of destructive, which means "tending to destroy." If you are a constructive member of a community, you are a positive force, interested in building up and improving your community. You’ll often hear this word used in the phrase "constructive criticism," which refers to helpful criticism intended to encourage improvement. Negative criticism, in contrast, is just intended to show a person they're wrong.

Example Sentences

A DHL Supply Chain spokesperson said the company remained open to "constructive discussions" and was "committed to reaching a resolution."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The meeting centered on whether there could be a way forward for the two entities to work together, said O’Leary, who described the discussion as productive and constructive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

It may be a little harder to gauge, but EU officials will also be hoping for a more constructive atmosphere around the bloc's top table.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The Irish government confirmed a fuel support package was being finalised after what it described as "constructive engagement" with representatives of the haulage and farming sectors.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

I designed for both of them literally dozens of insulting, sub-normal, but quite constructive, drawing exercises.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• effective
• positive
• practical
• productive
• useful
• valuable