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
Consider creating regular feedback loops—not just during annual reviews—to give team members the opportunity to express their needs and receive constructive guidance.
—
Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
This trust is the foundation for constructive conflict, which is an open and honest dialogue about differing perspectives.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Vanguard’s Cunniffe is also constructive on investment-grade bonds and says the expensive valuations are justified given the state of the economy and healthy corporate balance sheets.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constructive 
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Jacob Kupietzky, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
This trust is the foundation for constructive conflict, which is an open and honest dialogue about differing perspectives.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Vanguard’s Cunniffe is also constructive on investment-grade bonds and says the expensive valuations are justified given the state of the economy and healthy corporate balance sheets.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constructive
Dictionary Entries Near constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 30 Nov. 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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