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

Bad actors exist in every industry, and this case represents justice for thousands of small businesses that were exploited by predatory lenders charging exorbitant interest rates. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Some predatory lenders may charge a higher rate to borrowers using assistance programs, Ms. Kemp said. —Ann Carrns, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

Legacy Of Advocacy Day’s journey into the music industry began with a passion for hip-hop and a mission to protect artists from predatory deals. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Empowered once again, the CFPB vowed to pursue predatory lenders and restart a dozen or so cases that stalled during the court fight. —Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 23 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