1. taking unfair advantage of someone or something for one’s own benefit

Examples

• The company’s exploitive labor practices were exposed by investigative journalists.
• Critics argued that the documentary was exploitive of the victims’ suffering.
• The exploitive relationship left her feeling used and betrayed.
• Many consider payday loans to be exploitive of desperate borrowers.
• The film avoided being exploitive by treating its subject matter with respect.
• His exploitive business model relied on taking advantage of inexperienced investors.