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

Unfortunately, chimpanzee habitat in Guinea-Bissau is threatened by extractive industries, particularly industrial mining.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 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

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

Critics argue this work is extractive and poorly compensated, especially when these AI systems are being trained to ultimately replace human labor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 12, 2026

The coloring matter and extractive principle remain, but change somewhat by fermentation.

From The Cultivation of The Native Grape, and Manufacture of American Wines by George Husmann