Exploitative
/ˌɛk.splɔɪˈteɪ.tɪv/noun
Tending to use people or situations unfairly for one’s own advantage.
Did you know?Exploitative comes through French from Latin explicare, meaning “to unfold” or “to make clear,” showing how a word about opening things up became tied to taking advantage.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
explicāre
“to unfold, unravel, explain”
Late Latin
Latin
exploitāre
“to use, employ; later to turn to account”
Old French
Old French
exploit
“deed, achievement, profitable action”
18th Century
English
exploit
“a notable deed or achievement”
19th Century
English
exploitative
“using others unfairly for gain”
Explore more surprising origins