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

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Etymology

Origin of extractive

First recorded in 1590–1600; extract + -ive

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extractive

West Virginia, which has a long and complicated history with extractive industries such as coal, wants to attract more data centers.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026

This does not include lands subject to significant extractive uses, like logging or mining, or disruptive recreation activities, like OHV off-road driving.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

The discovery of vast copper and gold deposits transformed the region during the 20th Century, and the development of extractive industrial projects have reshaped parts of the landscape.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

Greenland, which is currently heavily dependent on Denmark and its fishing sector, is struggling to develop extractive industries to gain greater economic autonomy.

From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026

The records show an early interest in several extractive industries, including mining, not just for gold but for copper and iron as well.

From The Virginia Company Of London, 1606-1624 by Wesley Frank Craven

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