constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
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

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 If founders are open to this, angel investing is also about mentoring, sharing wisdom from personal experiences, and providing constructive feedback. Lien De Pau, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Countries can also build on the cooperation within the WTO negotiations on e-commerce, covering issues such as data protection, that brings together key players, including the U.S. and China, offering a welcome opportunity for constructive engagement between Washington and Beijing. Ken Heydon, Fortune Asia, 24 Feb. 2024 The private sector must encourage ministers toward constructive engagement and raise the most salient issues to their attention. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 Seeing people have surprisingly constructive conversations about my work feels amazing. Landon Block, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2024 Recognizing the underlying insecurities and fears driving indignation is essential in fostering open communication and resolving conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 To deter aggression along a global perimeter, the Pentagon relied on the threat of using nuclear weapons so destructive that their actual employment could serve no constructive end. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 In the past few decades, constructive bidding has gotten more accurate. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 Engage in meaningful dialogue that pushes boundaries and encourages constructive criticism. Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constructive was circa 1680

Dictionary Entries Near constructive

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive suggestions
constructively adverb
constructiveness noun

Legal Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: 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 departureHarvard Law Review
compare actual
constructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on constructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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