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.
So the magnolia is a generalist, and the orchids are very, very specialized, sometimes in cooperative ways with their pollinators, and sometimes in sneaky exploitative ways, like pretending to be a female wasp so male wasps try and mate with you. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 There’s plenty of debate over whether true crime as a genre is inherently exploitative. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 Running under the surface of the film is the anxiety that kids his age are lucky to secure any job, even one as low-paying and exploitative as Erika’s studio assistant. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Continue reading … ELECTORAL SHIFT – Colorado's socialist candidate calls for 'more immigrants into office' to stop America's 'exploitative' nature. — FOXNews.com, 21 July 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

exploitation
exploitative
exploitatory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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