extractive

American  

[ik-strak-tiv] / ɪkˈstræk tɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to extract, or based upon extraction.

   coal, oil, copper, and other extractive industries.

2. capable of being extracted, as from the earth.

   extractive fuels.

3. of, relating to, or involving extraction.

   extractive surgery.

4. of or of the nature of an extract.

---

noun

1. something extracted.

extractive British  

/ ɪkˈstræktɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to extract

2. of, involving, or capable of extraction

---

noun

1. something extracted or capable of being extracted

2. the part of an extract that is insoluble

Other Word Forms

• nonextractive
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of extractive

First recorded in 1590–1600; extract + -ive

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extractive

In any case, the island is on board with Tom’s extractive commerce push, indicated in the season’s ominous ending.

From Salon ● Jun. 18, 2026

Mr. Dasgupta recommends not a return to empire—he exposes China’s exploitative, extractive relationships with African nations as little more than reheated Western colonialism—but what he calls a “new theology.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

Because while the extractive sector is also important, it does not generate as many jobs as agriculture.

From Barron's ● May 14, 2026

States that depend heavily on extractive industries such as mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction tended to offer fewer protections for insects and arachnids.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

Prices for raw materials, including products of the extractive industries and agriculture, were generally set below the cost of production.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.