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extractive

extractive

1 8.7
Focusing on quick profit from a country's resources that benefits rich people
  • adjective
  • /ɪkˈstræktɪv/
translation icon : extractivo
  • Finally, policymakers are placing a dangerous bet on extractive industries given the resource sector's inherent volatility.
  • extractive industry
  • extractive economy

But AI is controlled by extractive companies.

Examples

  • Critics argue that the extractive nature of the industry primarily benefits a small elite at the expense of local populations.

  • At the same time, future extractive projects have been announced with even greater risks.

    Academic text (2012)
  • America does not need jobs that depend on the extractive economy.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The economic and environmental ramifications of traditional extractive development are becoming obvious.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The middle class is smack in the middle of an unsustainable extractive economy.

    Blog text (11)
  • All profit-seeking activity, no matter how extractive, is defended as inherently beneficial.

    Blog text (14)
  • Implicit in this analysis is the idea that extractive industries, which are characterized by declining labor productivity, cannot support continuous wage gains.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Many communities suffer from environmental damage caused by the extractive practices of large corporations.

  • The government's focus on short-term profits has led to an extractive economic model that neglects sustainable development.

Synonyms

exploitative
vsextractive
17 7.2

Treating people unfairly to make money or get an advantage

prioritizes short-term profit and resource use over long-term sustainability for a few
exploitive
vsextractive
3 7.3

Using people or situations unfairly to get personal benefit

focuses on systemic profit and resource use harming sustainability and aiding an elite
exploitatory
vsextractive
9.9

To treat people unfairly to get money or other benefits

targets systems that take resources for short-term gain rather than lasting wellbeing

Antonyms

183 4.5

Can continue for a long time without using up resources or harming the environment

How Extractive

predatory
43 6.1
extractive
1 8.7
sustainable
183 4.5
inclusive
88 4.1

Surface Forms

extractive positive

Morphology

extractive = extract (semi-transparent) = ex + tract + ive

The word is structurally regular, but the economic and political sense is a metaphorical extension of literal extraction rather than a fully literal composition.

Etymology

Extractive comes from ex- 'out' and tract 'pull', like in tractor. A helpful way to remember the political sense is to think of systems that 'pull out' a country's wealth for a small group, which is why an extractive system favors short-term profit over long-term well-being for most people.