# exploitative

/ˌɛksˈpɫɔɪtətɪv/ (US) · /ɛksplˈɔɪtətˌɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exploitative
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.