How to Pronounce Destructive

To pronounce "destructive", say DESTR-uct-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /dɪˈstɹʊktɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

destructive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/dɪˈstɹʊktɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “destructive”

"destructive" has 4 syllables: destr-uct-iv-e. It rhymes with seductive and constructive, if that helps it stick.

What does destructive mean?

adjective

Causing destruction; damaging.
Causing breakdown or disassembly.
“Catabolism is a destructive metabolism that involves the breakdown of molecules and release of energy.”

Synonyms

calamitous catastrophic devastating disastrous eradicative harmful pernicious ruinous

Antonyms

constructive nondestructive productive

Hear “destructive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with destructive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

seductive constructive productive fictive instructive counterproductive unproductive obstructive reconstructive deductive reproductive conductive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "destructive"?▾

"Destructive" has 4 syllables: destr · uct · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "destructive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "destructive" is /dɪˈstɹʊktɪv/.

What does "destructive" mean?▾

Destructive: Causing destruction; damaging.

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