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

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

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

Once the curbs are lifted, he argues children aged 15 and over would still be "exposed to predatory, addictive, manipulative and extractive systems which are recognised as harmful".

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

To this must be added, in the case of the extractive industries, agriculture, mining, etc., the exclusion from productive use of land which had formerly found a profitable employment.

From The Evolution of Modern Capitalism A Study of Machine Production by J. A. (John Atkinson) Hobson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---