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 dangerous choice is exploitative and forces workers to risk their safety, and everyone on our street, just to earn a living. Ydanis Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025 In The Bulwark, Lauren Egan covers the effort to crack down on the most exploitative Democratic PACs, which get money from progressives but do little with it. David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025 One evening, however, the two actors conspire to make a break for it — to stay hidden from the horde of paying customers, escape from the exploitative conditions of their jobs, and use their meager earnings to start new lives in another country. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025 Dracula may be an earnest attempt to critique such visuals, as well as many other things about our highly exploitative world. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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