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.
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 But lawmakers see the arrangements as exploitative. Jeffrey Kopp,kate Rogers, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026 The result is a surreal and darkly comic tale set inside a decaying industrial wig factory, where workers are pushed into punishing overtime shifts by the manipulative incentives of an exploitative lady overseer. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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