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

As a producer, Farrell stressed a certain sensitivity so that the show didn’t come off as exploitative or overtly virtuous. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026

The country finds itself in cycle after cycle of bloody civil war, intensified by a brutal intramilitary power struggle and exploitative foreign powers like the United Arab Emirates seeking an opportunity to profit from the bloodshed. — Janine Di Giovanni, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026

The relationship was exploitative from the start. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Banks participated in the three-part documentary, which drew significant attention for examining the exploitative nature of early reality television. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

exploit entry 2 + -ative

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above