exploitative
Americanadjective
Usage
What does exploitative mean? Exploitative is an adjective that describes someone or something that selfishly takes advantage of someone or a group of people in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit. It comes from the verb exploit, which commonly means to take advantage in such a way. The act of doing so is exploitation. As a verb, exploit can also be used in a more neutral way that doesn’t imply selfishness: to make the best use of something, especially an opportunity, or to create a profit or other benefit. But when the verb is applied to people, it is always used negatively. Exploitative is only ever used negatively, and it always implies greed, selfishness, or unethical practices. It’s often used in the context of the exploitation of workers by businesses, especially in phrases like exploitative practices. Other, less common variations of exploitative are exploitive and exploitatory. Example: The article exposes many of the industry’s exploitative business practices.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exploitative
First recorded in 1890–95; exploit 2 ( def. ) + -ative ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing exploitative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would make a current Department of Justice rule barring prosecutors from compelling the release of journalists' sources into federal law.
From Salon • Nov. 21, 2024
That “PRESS” acronym stands for “Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying.”
From Washington Times • Jun. 25, 2023
"Exploitative practices have no place in our society, and we will investigate cases of malpractice," the spokesman added.
From BBC • Aug. 22, 2022
Exploitative practices of the past often took place in the open.
From Washington Post • Oct. 27, 2021
Exploitative labour practices or corporate malpractice are swept under the carpet as companies publicise tax-efficient contributions to good causes.
From The Guardian • May 24, 2018
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
