exploitative
/ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈsplȯi-tə-tiv ˈek-ˌsplȯi-/ (ame, mw)
exploitative — adjective
- exploitativepositive
- more exploitativecomparative
- most exploitativesuperlative
1. describes a relationship, system, or action in which one side benefits from anot
describes a relationship, system, or action in which one side benefits from another person's difficult position or lack of power, usually by paying too little, demanding too much, or giving the other person no real choice
Diego said the mining company's labor practices were exploitative, so he left the job.
be + exploitative: describes something as taking unfair advantage
Amara described the seasonal wages as exploitative in her article about farm workers.
describe + noun + as + exploitative: pattern for expressing opinion
The streaming company's contract was exploitative because it gave artists no control over their own work.
Kenji warned his classmates about the exploitative loan company that charged extremely high rates.
Yuna argued that the landlord's demands were exploitative and refused to pay the extra fees.
- unfair
broader meaning; not specific to taking advantage of a power imbalance
- predatory
more aggressive tone; suggests actively hunting for victims to take from
- manipulative
focuses on psychological control rather than financial or structural advantage
文法句型
exploitative + noun
be + exploitative
用法筆記
Commonly used in discussions of labour rights, business ethics, and social justice. The word carries a strong negative moral judgment and is often used in political or economic criticism. Can appear before a noun (an exploitative contract) or after a linking verb (the terms were exploitative).