it was exploitative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exploitative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action that takes unfair advantage of someone or something. Example: "The company's labor practices were criticized because it was exploitative, taking advantage of workers' desperation for jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The purpose was not only transparent, it was exploitative.

The New York Times

It was a very hated book because people thought it was exploitative and it showed his fallen self.

The Guardian - Books

Some also felt it was inappropriate for a corporation to use the images of victims of terrorism in a commercial spot, arguing it was exploitative.

The Guardian

Many critics felt that it was exploitative, some suggesting that the film-makers were complicit in the murder, photographing it and then profiting from the film's theatrical release.

The Guardian - Film

Other defenders of porn conceded that it was exploitative and infused with fantasies of domination, often involving classist and racist tropes.

The New Yorker

When we first came to B-Boy Records, we had an arrangement: it was a fucked-up arrangement, it was exploitative, but we understood that's what it was.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is exploitative at its core and so is not the feel-good moral or ethical position so many people wish it to be.

Huffington Post

It's exploitative".

Independent

It's exploitative employers".

The Guardian - Opinion

It's exploitative employers". Quite right.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is exploitative and there is a cut-off point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was exploitative", ensure you clearly specify what "it" refers to in the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was exploitative" as a generic condemnation. Always provide specific details and evidence to support your claim, making it more persuasive and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exploitative" functions as a subject complement, where "it" is the subject, "was" is the linking verb, and "exploitative" is the adjective that describes the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was exploitative" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing situations or actions that take unfair advantage. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable and correct.

As demonstrated by the examples, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your claim. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the term's negative connotation and ensure its accurate application. Related phrases include "it constituted exploitation" and "it represented an abuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it constituted exploitation

Changes the verb and slightly formalizes the tone.

it was a predatory practice

Uses 'predatory practice' to emphasize the aggressive nature of the exploitation.

it represented an abuse

Replaces 'exploitative' with 'an abuse', focusing on the harmful aspect.

it symbolized taking advantage

Rephrases the exploitation as an act of profiting unfairly from someone's vulnerability.

it amounted to unfair treatment

Replaces 'exploitative' with a more general term for unjust behavior.

it involved undue advantage

Highlights the aspect of taking excessive and inappropriate benefit.

it was a manipulative tactic

Emphasizes the strategic and often deceptive nature of the exploitation.

it demonstrated unethical behavior

Focuses on the lack of moral principles in the action.

it signified an unjust action

Highlights the injustice and unfairness of the action.

it reeked of impropriety

Uses a strong term to convey the inappropriateness and potential illegality of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it was exploitative" in a sentence?

You can use "it was exploitative" to describe a situation or action that takes unfair advantage of someone or something. For example, "The company's labor practices were criticized because "it was exploitative", taking advantage of workers' desperation for jobs".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was exploitative"?

You can use alternatives like "it constituted exploitation", "it represented an abuse", or "it was a predatory practice" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was exploitative"?

It is appropriate to use "it was exploitative" when you want to express that a situation or action unfairly benefits one party at the expense of another, particularly when one party is vulnerable or disadvantaged.

What's the difference between "it was exploitative" and "it was unfair"?

"It was unfair" is a more general term for something that is not just or equitable. "It was exploitative" implies a more active and deliberate taking advantage of someone or something.