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.
Silicon Valley dreamt up poor derivations of past cautionary tales and created a monoculture of exploitative social media feeds and predatory data-hungry apps that birthed Orwell’s surveillance state. John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 Alleging a pattern of financially exploitative tactics, a group of southeastern Wisconsin lawmakers wants the state to tighten its regulation of for-profit colleges. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Of course, different people are more explorative or exploitative at different times. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 Some have worked, others are just lurid and exploitative. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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