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.
Others see him as a man who exploited an exploitative system, a creature native to a grift-addled environment. Kate Knibbs, Wired News, 20 May 2025 The setting is oppressive — cramped, sunless rooms in which workers push out pant after pant, shirt after shirt, vest after vest — but Wang’s gaze is never pitiful or exploitative. Devika Girish, New York Times, 2 May 2025 The subject is so momentous that any efforts not reaching a certain level of quality can come across as exploitative. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 In addition to his musical accolades, Albini was also an outspoken critic of exploitative music industry practices and a remarkable poker player with two World Series of Poker gold bracelets. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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