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.
In addition to looking for all the victims in the Mirasol case, federal agents are also seeking to thwart the spread of exploitative images. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 16 Oct. 2024 What’s missing is the tongue-in-cheek exploitative quality of giallo. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 Indeed, his research shows that octopuses recognize—and direct their sucker punches at—fish species that tend to be more exploitative. Byhannah Richter, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024 There's a lot of drug use, and there's a lot of partying, and there's a lot of nudity and stuff, which can often feel exploitative. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near exploitative

Cite this Entry

“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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