constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv 
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
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—
Erin O’Brien, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2024
Church has stuck by Wallen through previous scandals as well, remaining a mentor and offering both support and constructive criticism.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024
The show has been a marvel of that — constructive tolerance.
—Wesley Morris Ron Butler Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Courtesy of Disney Iger’s compelling vision for the future is why even other activist investors–such as the savvy, constructive Mason Morfit of ValueAct, who was up 46% last year–have come out in strong support of the Disney CEO.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024
Be open and receptive to coaching, as constructive feedback can be very valuable when identifying areas for growth and improvement.
—Mike Vietri, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s how to stop that Staff members will check residential recycling bins for contamination and leave positive feedback or constructive criticism on the carts.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Stay focused on finding constructive solutions and demonstrating your commitment to your role and the company.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Ensure your decision is fair and based on consistent policies, and always provide constructive feedback.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Erin O’Brien, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2024
Church has stuck by Wallen through previous scandals as well, remaining a mentor and offering both support and constructive criticism.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024
The show has been a marvel of that — constructive tolerance.
—Wesley Morris Ron Butler Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Courtesy of Disney Iger’s compelling vision for the future is why even other activist investors–such as the savvy, constructive Mason Morfit of ValueAct, who was up 46% last year–have come out in strong support of the Disney CEO.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024
Be open and receptive to coaching, as constructive feedback can be very valuable when identifying areas for growth and improvement.
—Mike Vietri, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s how to stop that Staff members will check residential recycling bins for contamination and leave positive feedback or constructive criticism on the carts.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Stay focused on finding constructive solutions and demonstrating your commitment to your role and the company.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
Ensure your decision is fair and based on consistent policies, and always provide constructive feedback.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Mar. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive suggestions
constructively
adverb
constructiveness
noun
Legal Definition
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv
: 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 departure—Harvard Law Review
compare actual
Harvard Law Review
constructively
adverb
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