exploitative
adjective
ex·ploit·ative
ik-ˈsplȯi-tə-tiv 
ˈek-ˌsplȯi-
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
Yet as written, SPARTA is a robust law that ought to protect college athletes from exploitative agents.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Building networks to advance careers or entrepreneurial ambitions sometimes felt exploitative, uncomfortable, even performative.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Some storylines are meant to be poignant but are overwhelmed by the weirdness or feel exploitative, or the characters aren’t dimensional enough to move you.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
While not the easiest watch, Sugarcane is necessary viewing nonetheless, a powerful reckoning that also explores themes of generational trauma without being exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploitative
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Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Building networks to advance careers or entrepreneurial ambitions sometimes felt exploitative, uncomfortable, even performative.
—Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Some storylines are meant to be poignant but are overwhelmed by the weirdness or feel exploitative, or the characters aren’t dimensional enough to move you.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
While not the easiest watch, Sugarcane is necessary viewing nonetheless, a powerful reckoning that also explores themes of generational trauma without being exploitative.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exploitative
Cite this Entry
“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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