destructive

The word “destructive” means causing or tending to cause serious damage. In plain terms, tending to cause damage or ruin.

“Destructive” is pronounced dih-STRUHK-tihv (/dɪˈstɹʌktɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “destructive” used in a sentence: “The storm was the most destructive in the region's history.”

Words with a similar meaning to “destructive” include calamitous, catastrophic, devastating, disastrous, eradicative and harmful.

The opposite of “destructive” — its antonyms — are constructive, nondestructive, non-destructive and productive.

“Destructive” is an adjective.

The word “destructive” comes from Latin. From Latin destructivus, from destruere, "to destroy".

“Destructive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

"Destructive" and "constructive" are opposites: destructive means causing damage or tearing down, while constructive means helpful and building up. For example, "destructive criticism" attacks without helping, whereas "constructive criticism" points out problems while suggesting improvements.

Both describe harm, but "destructive" is stronger and implies the power to destroy or ruin something, while "damaging" can refer to lesser or partial harm. A destructive storm may level buildings, whereas a damaging remark simply causes some hurt.

Use "destructive" when something actively damages, breaks, or ruins, especially on a large or violent scale. Choose "harmful" for milder harm that may be indirect or gradual, such as a harmful habit, which does not necessarily destroy anything.

"Destructive" frequently pairs with forces and behaviors, as in "destructive storm," "destructive power," "destructive behavior," "self-destructive," and "destructive criticism." It typically describes something with the capacity to cause serious damage.