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
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But the takedown also highlights the difficulties survivors face in trying to remove exploitative material once it is uploaded and redistributed online. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 Many of those minors ended up being trafficked into exploitative factory jobs, according to the New York Times. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026 Unlike much of the true crime ground out these days, this book does not feel cheap and exploitative. The Week Us, TheWeek, 4 May 2026 Western countries’ framing of the critical minerals issue is based on an assumption that Africa needs to be protected from exploitative Chinese companies, Bronwen Everill argues in an article for UK think tank Chatham House. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026 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 11 May. 2026.

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