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unconstructive

unconstructive

1 6.8
Not helpful because it does not show how to improve
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnkənˈstrʌktɪv/
translation icon : no constructivo
  • And since you can't convince someone who thinks you're crazy that you're not, this is an unconstructive conversation.

As the problem is not that you that we have unconstructive emotions, it's that they're unmanaged.

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Examples

  • ANR wrote: "Your approach to 'discussing' these sorts of issues continues to be exceedingly unconstructive and unprofessional."

    Blog text (14)
  • So this is where unconstructive feedback has been getting its talking points.

    Blog text (17)
  • And you are only propagating this unconstructive line of thinking by publishing articles like this.

    Blog text (24)
  • Rather than coming together, we would rather waste our time taking cheap partisan (and unconstructive) shots at each other.

    Blog text (6)
  • One of the main drawbacks to televised political theatrics is that we tend to evaluate the events in an unconstructive way.

    Blog text (7)
  • The coach emphasized that unconstructive criticism does not help the team's performance.

  • During the meeting, he made several unconstructive comments that didn't solve the issues.

  • It's important to avoid unconstructive arguments if we want to make progress on this project.

Synonyms

unfavorable
vsunconstructive
  • US
31 4.5

Not good for success or approval

means lack of usefulness or failure to improve, not just attitude
unproductive
vsunconstructive
21 3.8

Not giving useful or wanted results

emphasizes lack of helpful improvement rather than only outcome
unhelpful
vsunconstructive
17 3.0

Not giving useful help or advice

focuses on failing to create a positive result rather than assistance
nonconstructive
vsunconstructive
6.9

Not helpful and not meant to solve a problem

is identical in meaning but used as the common adjective form
unencouraging
vsunconstructive
6.5

Something that makes people feel less hopeful or confident

refers to practical uselessness rather than low morale or confidence

Antonyms

144 3.9

Helpful in a way that makes something better

138 3.4

Making something better or producing a good result

How Helpful

productive
293 3.5
constructive
144 3.9
helpful
689 1.0
unhelpful
17 3.0
unconstructive
1 6.8
useless
550 1.0

Surface Forms

unconstructive positive

Morphology

unconstructive = constructive (transparent) = un + construct + ive

The prefix 'un-' clearly negates the adjective 'constructive', making the meaning straightforward.

Etymology

The word unconstructive begins with un- meaning 'not' and comes from constructive, which is based on construct and construction, words that mean 'to build'. So unconstructive describes words or actions that do not 'build' or help improve a situation.