adj
Common
constructive
kuhn-STRUHK-tihv
Constructive (adj) means Helpful and useful, especially in offering solutions or improvements rather than just criticism. Example: “Try to be constructive when you disagree, and suggest a better way forward.”
adj
1
Helpful and useful, especially in offering solutions or improvements rather than just criticism.
"Try to be constructive when you disagree, and suggest a better way forward."
"She gave constructive feedback that actually helped him improve the essay."
"Let's keep this meeting constructive instead of just complaining."
2
Legally treated as existing or having happened, even though it wasn't stated directly.
"Being forced to resign by unbearable conditions can count as constructive dismissal."
"The judge ruled that the landlord's neglect amounted to constructive eviction of the tenants."
"The court found the employee had suffered constructive dismissal."
How to use constructive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUseful and helpful, especially feedback that builds someone up rather than tearing them down.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "constructive criticism" (helpful, specific feedback) with just being negative — the point of the word is that it aims to improve, not just find fault.
Common pairings
constructive criticism
constructive feedback
constructive dismissal
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more constructive
- Superlative
- most constructive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Try to be _____ when you disagree, and suggest a better way forward.
Etymology
From Latin constructivus, from construere ("to build"). By surface analysis, construct + -ive.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for constructive
See all rhymes for constructive →Frequently asked questions
What does “constructive” mean?
The word “constructive” means helpful and useful, especially in offering solutions or improvements rather than just criticism. In plain terms, useful and helpful, especially feedback that builds someone up rather than tearing them down.
How do you pronounce “constructive”?
“Constructive” is pronounced kuhn-STRUHK-tihv (/kənˈstɹʌktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “constructive” in a sentence?
Here is “constructive” used in a sentence: “She gave constructive feedback that actually helped him improve the essay.”
What part of speech is “constructive”?
“Constructive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “constructive” come from?
The word “constructive” comes from Latin. From Latin constructivus, from construere ("to build"). By surface analysis, construct + -ive.
Is “constructive” a common word?
“Constructive” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “constructive” have?
“Constructive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: helpful and useful, especially in offering solutions or improvements rather than just criticism.
What is the difference between constructive and destructive?
Constructive and destructive are near opposites: constructive describes something helpful and useful, especially in offering solutions or improvements, while destructive describes something that causes damage or harm. Constructive criticism aims to build up and improve, while destructive criticism tears down without offering solutions.
What does constructive mean in a legal context?
In law, constructive describes something that is legally treated as existing or having happened, even though it was not stated directly, such as constructive dismissal or constructive notice. This differs from the everyday sense of constructive as helpful, since the legal sense is about implied or inferred legal effect rather than usefulness.
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