predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

a

: of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine

b

: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit

predatory pricing practices

2

: living by predation : predaceous

also : adapted to predation

Synonyms

• predaceous
• predacious
• rapacious
• raptorial

Examples of predatory in a Sentence

Hawks are predatory and may pose a danger to rabbits and other small pets.

The company made millions for investors but clearly engaged in predatory lending practices.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers. —CBS News, 16 Dec. 2024

In assigning blame for the fentanyl epidemic, experts and ordinary Americans alike point to a variety of factors, such as economic hardship, poor medical care, and the predatory behavior of opioid distributors—including infamous pill mills that overprescribe addictive substances. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2024

West’s story is commonplace in the predatory world of post-graduate football, where thousands of young men have been lured by the promise of achieving their athletic aspirations, a USA TODAY investigation found. —Kenny Jacoby, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Jackie Calmes: Trump’s predatory Cabinet choices are added proof that #MeToo is over. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

1

: of, relating to, or marked by robbing or using others for personal gain

predatory raids

2

: living by predation

predatory animals

Legal Definition

predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means

subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct

—National Law Journal

predatory bidding

2

: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit

predatory loans

3

: of or relating to a sexual predator

predatory assault