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Definition of constructive

constructive

/kənˈstrʌk.tɪv/
con · struc · tive
Adverb:constructively
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constructive Lexical Profile

constructive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving a useful purpose and tending to build up, improve, or promote further development rather than merely criticizing.

Example

"The editor offered constructive feedback that helped the author strengthen the novel's pacing."

2

Derived by legal inference or interpretation rather than from explicit statement or direct fact (used in law).

Example

"The tribunal ruled that the sudden reduction in her responsibilities amounted to constructive dismissal."

3

Relating to or involving physical construction or the building of structures.

Example

"Wind and waves exert both erosive and constructive forces along the coastline."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for constructive

• Nearby Words

constructable
construction
constructional
constructive
constructively
constructiveness
constructor

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin constructivus, from Latin constructus, the past participle of construere ('to heap together, build'), formed from com- ('together') and struere ('to pile up, build').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Constructive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/constructive
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