Word
exploitative
Phoneticsex·ploita·tive
US/ˌɛksˈpɫɔɪtətɪv/
UK/ɛksplˈɔɪtətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. describing a situation where one person or group takes advantage of another in a way that is unfair or harmful. In ecology, it refers to a relationship where one species benefits while the other is harmed.
adj. characterised by the unfair or harmful use of someone or something for one's own benefit. In an ecological context, it describes a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.
Examples
“The company's working conditions were very exploitative.”
“The new law aims to prevent exploitative labor practices by ensuring fair wages for all workers.”
“While some species engage in mutualistic relationships, others are exploitative, such as the parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside a host ant, eventually killing it.”
Examples
simple
“The company's working conditions were very exploitative.”
contextual
“The new law aims to prevent exploitative labor practices by ensuring fair wages for all workers.”
complex
“While some species engage in mutualistic relationships, others are exploitative, such as the parasitic wasp that lays its eggs inside a host ant, eventually killing it.”
Real-World Examples
“But the TUC union body said "exploitative" zero-hours contracts had become "endemic" in the UK, and called on the government to end them.” “Staged by Dundee Rep and Solar Bear, it is a simple tale of a tested friendship in an exploitative music industry.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/exploitative