How to Pronounce “exploitative”

American (US)

/ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

British (UK)

/ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/

adjective — In the nature of exploitation; acting to exploit someone or something.

Example: We are protesting the company's exploitative policies.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “exploitative” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “exploitative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "exploitative" mean?

exploitative (adjective): In the nature of exploitation; acting to exploit someone or something. For example — We are protesting the company's exploitative policies.

How do you pronounce "exploitative" in American vs British English?

American English: /ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/. British English: /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "exploitative"?

/ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ in American English, /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "exploitative"?

“exploitative” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɛkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.