Exploitative: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：unfairly using others (exploitative)

exploitative 🔊

/ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

adj.

Using someone unfairly to get something for yourself, especially money or work.

Exploitative concept illustration: a business person exploiting a worker to reach money

unfairly using others 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈfeərli ˈjuːzɪŋ ˈʌðərz/

adj.

Describing actions or systems that take advantage of people or resources in an unjust way for personal benefit, often causing harm.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'exploit' (to use unfairly) + suffix '-ative' (tending to).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'exploit' means take advantage, and '-ative' turns it into an adjective for such actions.

📖 Example

Many people protested against the exploitative working conditions in the factory, where employees were paid very little for very long hours. 🔊 Many people protested against the exploitative working conditions in the factory, where employees were paid very little for very long hours.

🔗 Collocations

exploitative practices – Unfair methods used to gain advantage, especially in business or labor.

exploitative labor – Work conditions that unfairly use workers for minimal pay or benefits.

exploitative relationship – A connection where one party takes unfair advantage of the other.

🔄 Synonyms

oppressive (adj.) – Using power or authority in a cruel or unjust manner.

predatory (adj.) – Seeking to exploit or take advantage of others for gain.

unscrupulous (adj.) – Having no moral principles, often acting unfairly for personal benefit.

🚫 Antonyms

fair (adj.) – Treating people equally and justly without exploitation.

equitable (adj.) – Characterized by fairness and impartiality in distribution or treatment.

ethical (adj.) – Conforming to accepted moral standards, avoiding unfair exploitation.

🌱 Derivatives

exploit (v.) – To use someone or something unfairly for one's own advantage.

exploitation (n.) – The action of using someone or something unfairly for personal gain.

exploiter (n.) – A person or entity that exploits others unfairly.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'explicare' (to unfold), via French 'exploiter' (to use). In English, it evolved to mean utilizing unfairly, often in contexts like labor or resource exploitation in modern socio-economic discussions.