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

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

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026

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

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

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

From Barron's ● May 14, 2026

The whole coast and its hinterland is engaged almost solely in what are known as "extractive" industries—that is, in mining or agriculture.

From The Panama Canal A history and description of the enterprise by J. Saxon Mills