constructive
kun-STRUK-tiv
/kənˈstrʌktɪv/
Serving a useful purpose; tending to build up or improve something.
Almost always paired with 'criticism' or 'feedback' in business to indicate that the intent is to help, not to hurt.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'construere', where 'con-' (together) meets 'struere' (to pile up or build). It’s the same root as 'construction'. When you give constructive feedback, you are literally helping the person 'build' their skills.
Word relationships
- productive: Productive means getting a lot done; constructive means doing things that improve the situation.
- helpful: Helpful is a general term; constructive specifically implies building or improving a structure or process.
- destructive: Destructive means intended to tear down or ruin, the exact opposite of constructive.
Commonly confused with
- construction: Construction is the physical act of building; constructive is the quality of being helpful in building.
Word family
- constructively (adverb): In a way that is helpful or serves to improve.
- construct (verb): To build or create.
Collocations
- constructive criticism
- constructive feedback
- constructive dialogue
- constructive role
Example sentences
- "I hope you take this as constructive criticism; I really want to see your writing improve." A manager giving advice.
- "Constructive criticism is the lifeblood of any healthy organization." A quote on political discourse.
Memory hook
Constructive feedback helps you 'construct' a better version of your work. Building, not breaking.
When not to use
Don't use 'constructive' for things that are merely 'good'. It must specifically imply that something is being 'built' or improved.
Fun facts
- In law, 'constructive' is used to describe something that is treated as true by legal interpretation, even if it isn't literally true (like 'constructive notice').
Related words
Explore more words
give feedback, purposeful, actionable, conducive, reform, effective
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.