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.
Social Injustice and Waste Colonialism: A Call for Ethical Practices Beyond environmental concerns, the fashion industry grapples with social injustices, including exploitative labor practices in developing countries. Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 In her ethnographic study of Jamaican gangs, Jaffe argues against seeing the neighborhood strongmen—or dons—as primarily violent, exploitative gangsters. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 However, consumer advocacy groups are alarmed, noting the vulnerability of consumers to exploitative practices without these protections. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 The mobile gaming market is overrun by low-quality, exploitative, free-to-play titles. PCMAG, 4 Feb. 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 6 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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