C1adjective2K

Destructive

UK /["/dɪˈstrʌktɪv/"]/US /["/dɪˈstrʌktɪv/"]/

Definition

causing destruction or damage

In simple words: causing harm or damage

Examples

  • The war demonstrated the destructive power of modern weapons.
  • the destructive effects of anxiety
  • Opencast coal mining is among the most environmentally destructive activities carried out in Wales.
  • It was a very short-sighted and ultimately destructive plan.
  • These substances can be destructive to health.
  • downright destructive behaviour
  • environmentally destructive policies
  • destructive behaviour/impulses/tendencies
  • People have to learn how to handle destructive emotions like anger.
  • They don't think about how damaging and destructive their words are.

Usage notes

Use 'destructive' to describe something harmful, like behaviors or actions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid it in light-hearted situations.

Grammar pattern

destructive + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'destroy' in 'destructive.' Imagine a storm destroying everything in its path.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • become
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • of
  • to

Synonyms

  • harmful
  • damaging
  • devastating
  • ruinous
  • catastrophic

Antonyms

  • creative
  • constructive
  • beneficial

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'constructive' meaning helpful or positive
  • Using 'destructive' to describe non-harmful things
  • Incorrectly placing it before a verb instead of a noun