exploitative

adjective

ex·​ploit·​ative ik-ˈsplȯi-tə-tiv How to pronounce exploitative (audio) ˈek-ˌsplȯi- How to pronounce exploitative (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for exploitative

Word History

Etymology

exploit entry 2 + -ative

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploitative was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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