Meaning & use

destructive

adjective·Academic

Causing or tending to cause great damage or harm.

See it in a sentence

The wildfire proved especially destructive to homes near the forest's edge.

His destructive habits eventually cost him his job and his marriage.

A note on using this word

Applies both to physical damage and to behavior that harms relationships or well-being.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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