Definition

Taking unfair advantage of someone or something for personal gain.

Example

The company was criticized for its exploitative labor practices.

Conversation

Did you hear about that company that was really exploitive towards its workers?

Yeah, it's awful how they treated everyone just to make more profit.

I can't believe they thought they could get away with such exploitive practices.

I know, right? People deserve to be treated fairly, not taken advantage of.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exploitive → It is formed from "exploit" (from Latin "exploitatio", meaning to unfold or to make use of) and "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "exploitive" describes something that has the nature of making use of others, often in a selfish or unfair way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making use of' ('exploit') in a way that is often unfair or selfish, which is what 'exploitive' means.

Visually Confused Words