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What is the Meaning of “Construction”?

Construction
/kənˈstrʌkʃən/
noun B1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words)

The act of building something or the thing that is being built.

Definition of Construction

Quick Meaning of Construction

The act of building something or the thing that is being built.

Detailed Definition of Construction

The process or activity of building or putting together something, or the structure that results from this.

How to Pronounce Construction

IPA: /kənˈstrʌkʃən/
con struc tion

Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).

Tip: Three syllables: kun-STRUK-shun. Stress the second syllable.

Watch out: Often mispronounced as con-STRUK-shun (stress on first syllable) or con-struk-SHUN (stress on third).

Full pronunciation guide for “construction” →

Origin and Etymology of Construction

From Latin constructio, the arrangement or building of structures.

How to Use Construction in a Sentence

Each example shows “construction” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “The construction of the shopping center took three years.”
    B1 formal
  • “There is construction on my street so traffic is slow.”
    B1 daily
  • “The sentence construction in English differs from that in Chinese.”
    B1 academic

Synonyms and Antonyms of Construction

Common Synonyms for Construction

Smart Synonyms for Construction — When to Use Each

building
for the physical structure created from materials like
assembly
for the process of putting separate parts together

Antonyms of Construction

See all synonyms for “construction” →

Common Collocations with Construction

These phrases pair with “construction” in everyday English:

  • under construction
  • construction site
  • construction worker
  • construction material
  • construction industry

Common Mistakes When Using Construction

Even fluent speakers slip up with “construction”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: The construction are happening now.
✓ Correct: The construction is happening now.
Why: 'Construction' is a singular noun and takes 'is', not 'are'. When referring to multiple buildings, use plural 'constructions are happening'.
✗ Wrong: He worked in a construction of roads.
✓ Correct: He worked in road construction or on the construction of roads.
Why: Use 'road construction' (noun adjunct) or 'of roads' with article 'the'. 'In a construction of roads' is awkward.

Other Forms of Construction

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction

What is the meaning of "Construction"?

The act of building something or the thing that is being built.

How do you pronounce "Construction"?

The IPA is /kənˈstrʌkʃən/. Three syllables: kun-STRUK-shun. Stress the second syllable.

What part of speech is "Construction"?

"Construction" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Construction"?

Common synonyms include building, assembly, structure.

How do you use "Construction" in a sentence?

For example: "The construction of the shopping center took three years."

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