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Destructive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Destructive means causing great harm, damage, or ruin. It describes actions, forces, or behaviors that break down or destroy things, often leaving them unusable or in a worse state.

destructive

/dɪˈstrʌktɪv/ /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/

Definition:

Causing great harm, damage, or ruin to something or someone.

Synonyms:

devastating, harmful, ruinous, catastrophic

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

constructive, beneficial, creative

Common Collocations:

destructive behavior, destructive power, destructive criticism

Derivatives:

destructively, destructiveness

Usage Tips:

Use "destructive" to describe actions or forces that cause severe damage or harm.

Common Phrases:

destructive force, destructive path, destructive tendencies

Etymology:

From Latin "destructivus," meaning "tending to destroy."

Examples:

  • 1. The hurricane left a destructive trail of ruined homes and uprooted trees.
  • 2. His destructive habits harmed both his health and relationships.
  • 3. The wildfire was highly destructive to the forest ecosystem.
  • 4. Constructive feedback is better than destructive criticism for team morale.

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