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Definition of destructive

destructive

/dɪˈstrʌktɪv/
de · struc · tive
Adverb:destructively
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destructive Lexical Profile

destructive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing great and irreparable physical damage, ruin, or devastation.

Example

"The prolonged drought had a destructive impact on the region's agricultural output."

2

Tending to undermine, tear down, or negate something without offering helpful alternatives or improvements (especially of criticism, attitudes, or behavior).

Example

"Rather than offering destructive criticism that demoralizes the team, the manager focused on actionable solutions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for destructive

• Nearby Words

destruct
destructible
destruction
destructive
destructively
destructiveness
destructor

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French destructif or Late Latin destructivus, from Latin destructus, the past participle of destruere ('to pull down, unbuild, or ruin'), formed from de- ('down, un-') and struere ('to build or pile up').

Cite this Entry

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