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
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Section 230 assumes a kind of neutrality on the part of websites, defining them as distribution tools rather than as exploitative systems. Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026 Instead, many were forced into exploitative land sale contracts that offered none of the protections of traditional mortgages. Tonika Lewis Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 Grammarly’s leadership framed the feature as designed to help users discover influential perspectives and provide meaningful opportunities for experts to build deeper relationships with their audiences, suggesting the intent was mutually beneficial rather than purely exploitative. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 The protest comes on the heels of the investigation in The New York Times detailing allegations of abusive behavior and exploitative labor practices inside Noma’s Copenhagen kitchen from 2009 to 2017. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026 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 1 Apr. 2026.

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