Destructive: meaning, definitions and examples

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destructive

 

[ dɪˈstrʌktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Causing great harm or damage. Involving or causing the complete destruction of something.

Synonyms

damaging, devastating, harmful

Examples of usage

  • The hurricane caused destructive winds and flooding.
  • The construction of the new highway led to the destructive clearing of the forest.
  • The war had a destructive impact on the country's economy.
Context #2 | Adjective

criticism

Criticizing or undermining something. Tending to destroy or undermine something.

Synonyms

critical, negative, undermining

Examples of usage

  • The article contained a destructive critique of the company's policies.
  • His destructive comments were not well-received by the team.
  • She had a destructive attitude towards her colleague's work.

Translations

Translations of the word "destructive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destrutivo

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 zerstörerisch

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 руйнівний

🇵🇱 destrukcyjny

🇯🇵 破壊的

🇫🇷 destructeur

🇪🇸 destructivo

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴적인

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničivý

🇸🇰 deštruktívny

🇨🇳 破坏性的

🇸🇮 destruktiven

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 жойқын

🇬🇪 დამანგრეველი

🇦🇿 dağıdıcı

🇲🇽 destructivo

Etymology

The word 'destructive' originated from the Latin word 'destructivus', which is derived from the verb 'destruere' meaning 'to destroy'. The concept of destruction has been a part of human history, from natural disasters to wars. The adjective 'destructive' has been used to describe various actions and behaviors that lead to harm or damage.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,155 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.