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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.
The pitfall is that their desires to be included often ends up reframing identity in contexts that are western, capitalistic, and exploitative, all to be validated by a world who values its delusions. Essence, 21 Nov. 2025 The Ed Gein Story and All’s Fair were met with critical hostility — the first is a thematically repetitive and exploitative condemnation of true crime and the audience who loves it, the second a bizarrely overqualified ensemble of acting titans playing second fiddle to Kim Kardashian. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025 And radical feminists have long opposed the practice as exploitative. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025 Our findings don’t suggest that every workplace romance is doomed or exploitative. Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 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 8 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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