A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful rather than negative and unhelpful.
She welcomes constructive criticism.
After their meeting, both men described the talks as frank, friendly and constructive.
The Prime Minister has promised that Israel will play a constructive role.
At least I'm doing something constructive.
Synonyms: helpful, positive, useful, practical More Synonyms of constructive
constructivelygraded adverb [ADVERB with verb]
We are prepared to sit down and talk constructively with our European partners.
Use the time constructively.
constructive in British English
(kənˈstrʌktɪv)
adjective
1.
serving to build or improve; positive
constructive criticism
2. law
deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred
3. law
having a deemed legal effect
constructive notice
4. another word for structural
Derived forms
constructively (conˈstructively)
adverb
constructiveness (conˈstructiveness)
noun
constructive in American English
(kənˈstrʌktɪv)
adjective
1.
helping to construct; leading to improvements or advances; formative; positive
constructive criticism
2.
of construction or structure
3.
inferred or implied by legal or judicial interpretation
constructive fraud
Derived forms
constructively (conˈstructively)
adverb
constructiveness (conˈstructiveness)
noun
Word origin
ML constructivus
Examples of 'constructive' in a sentence
constructive
His influence will grow as long as he keeps his criticism constructive and avoids rancour.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Downing Street said that the meeting was constructive and that officials would soon begin consulting on what a trade relationship might look like.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now we'll keep our players' feet on the ground with some constructive criticism.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It is a waste of an opportunity for constructive comments.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
What the judges need to understand is we want constructive criticism.
The Sun (2011)
Many of his former students have recorded how helpful and constructive he is as a teacher.
Salkie, Raphael The Chomsky Update - Linguistics and Politics (1990)
It was a constructive meeting and all parties agreed to come together again in four weeks time.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But that determination must be balanced with a constructive approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The approach was at all times friendly and constructive.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The group should give the interviewee some specific constructive criticism.
Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)
If you are prepared and polite you should find it turns into a constructive meeting.
The Sun (2012)
It has been another big step forward to finding the best possible solution and the whole meeting was very constructive.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But the comments were all constructive.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He says that this mutual understanding allows him to offer constructive criticism without fear that it will be taken the wrong way.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In those circumstances too, the bank would have constructive notice of the right.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The successful implementation of the proposed measures depends on a change of attitude towards a more positive and constructive approach on all sides.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We could do with some constructive comments to encourage the England rugby team.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Instead of blaming her for upsetting the family, take a more constructive approach.
The Sun (2009)
You know how one tends to bridle when anyone offers criticism, especially constructive criticism?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But the meetings are constructive, because the team cannot leave without suggesting fixes to the each problem.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We received a number of constructive comments, but the consensus was that the underlying methodology was sound.
Christianity Today (2000)
I always found them constructive and helpful.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In short, it was for the bank to show that it lacked constructive notice of the impropriety of the relevant arrangements.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
I think if you are going to criticise somebody you have to be constructive and helpful and praise them as well.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
As promising as the potential advantages of these constructive approaches to normative conflicts may sound, they might have their disadvantages as well.
de Haan, Willem The Politics of Redress - crime, punishment and penal abolition (1989)
Go out of your way to praise good work and give helpful feedback and constructive criticism - it boosts confidence and will save time next time.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
constructive
British English: constructive /kənˈstrʌktɪv/ ADJECTIVE
A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful.