extractive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​trac·​tive ik-ˈstrak-tiv 

ˈek-ˌstrak-

1

a

: of, relating to, or involving extraction

b

: tending toward or resulting in withdrawal of natural resources by extraction with no provision for replenishment

extractive agriculture

2

: capable of being extracted

extractively adverb

extractive

2 of 2

noun

: something extracted or extractable : extract

Examples of extractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But this ignores their extractive financial models. —Scott White, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

The project coincided with a push by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to lessen the country’s dependence on extractive industries and to encourage entrepreneurs to develop goods for export. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

Noun

American Battery's strategic goal is to become a producer of lithium in the United States, employing advanced brine extractive technology methodologies. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025

The filing also discusses the company's strategy of employing advanced brine extractive technology methodologies and its ongoing talks with extraction providers. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin extractīvus "drawing off, removing," from Latin extractus, past participle of extrahere "to pull out, draw forth" + -īvus -ive — more at extract entry 1

Noun

derivative of extractive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for extractive

• attractive
• contractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive

Medical Definition

extractive

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​trac·​tive ik-ˈstrak-tiv, ˈek-ˌ 

: of, relating to, or involving extraction

extractive processes

extractive

2 of 2 noun

: something extracted or extractable : extract