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.
Our findings don’t suggest that every workplace romance is doomed or exploitative. Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 There’s an intimacy and sensitivity to Roversi’s work that never feels exploitative. Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025 Many thousands flee its mandatory, indefinite military service – and some fall prey to exploitative trafficking gangs. Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 Kate Crawford, professor at the University of Southern California and co-founder of the AI Now Institute, has emphasized the nature of AI as an extractive and exploitative industry. Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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