construction

word

/kənˈstɹəkʃən/
kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn
/kənstɹˈʌkʃən/
kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn

Definition

Construction is the process of building something such as a house, road, or bridge. It can also mean the thing being built or the way something is formed or put together, especially in language.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used for buildings, roads, and infrastructure: 'construction work', 'construction site', 'under construction'. It is often uncountable for the activity, but countable in specific meanings like grammar ('a strange construction'). Don't confuse it with 'building', which more often refers to the finished structure.

Example Sentences

The school is under construction.

basic

My uncle works in construction.

basic

Road construction starts next month.

basic

There’s so much construction downtown that traffic is a mess every morning.

natural

That sentence sounds odd because the construction is too formal.

natural

We had to move our shop entrance because of the construction next door.

natural