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.

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noun

1. something extracted.

extractive British  

/ ɪkˈstræktɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to extract

2. of, involving, or capable of extraction

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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

Their yearly reproduction depended on elusive environmental factors, the author writes, “unlike other extractive industries such as tin or jade, where ‘X marks the spot’ could hold over a period of years or decades.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

“I think major global events have an extractive history,” Torosis said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

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

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

The high productiveness of extractive industries in the United States is the reason why wages and profits are higher here than in older countries.

From Principles Of Political Economy Abridged with Critical, Bibliographical, and Explanatory Notes, and a Sketch of the History of Political Economy by John Stuart Mill