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.
Dating shows always feel a little bit exploitative, but the runaway success of Love on the Spectrum shows that there's somebody for just about everybody. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 Section 230 assumes a kind of neutrality on the part of websites, defining them as distribution tools rather than as exploitative systems. Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026 But the oppressive and exploitative Japanese colonial policy remained ruthless, though using less conspicuous methods. Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 Instead, many were forced into exploitative land sale contracts that offered none of the protections of traditional mortgages. Tonika Lewis Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 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 Apr. 2026.

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