exploitative

adjective

ex·​ploit·​ative ik-ˈsplȯi-tə-tiv  ˈek-ˌsplȯi- 

: exploiting or tending to exploit

especially : unfairly or cynically using another person or group for profit or advantage

exploitative terms of employment

an exploitative film

exploitatively adverb

Examples of exploitative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This impression is particularly potent in those scoring high on exploitative or entitled tendencies, and who perceive themselves as victimized even when they haven’t been wronged, objectively speaking. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

America's Next Top Model alum Micheline Pitt tells EW on the Universal Epic Universe carpet that reality TV is exploitative. —Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 27 May 2025

The provisions also create a task force on exploitative technologies to monitor advancements in these sorts of AI and other technologies and address enforcement of law. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 8 May 2025

Despite its source material, the book itself doesn’t feel exploitative; there’s a deep love and respect for its titular star that comes through. —Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

exploit entry 2 + -ative

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above