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

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

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

Sofia Cañón: Before, investments were focused on oil and other extractive sectors.

From Barron's ● May 14, 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

If the district comprised manufacturing industries, it would apply to the divisional organization of the manufacturing industries; if the district comprised coal mines, it would apply to the divisional organization of the extractive industries.

From The Next Step A Plan for Economic World Federation by Scott Nearing

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