predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē 

1

a

: of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine

b

: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit

predatory pricing practices

2

: living by predation : predaceous

also : adapted to predation

Synonyms

• predaceous
• predacious
• rapacious
• raptorial

Examples of predatory in a Sentence

Hawks are predatory and may pose a danger to rabbits and other small pets.

The company made millions for investors but clearly engaged in predatory lending practices.

Recent Examples on the Web

The department currently oversees federal student loan programs, distributes financial aid and enforces policies meant to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Since Friday, Vought has sought to switch off the consumer watchdog, which was created after the 2008 financial crash to protect consumers from predatory financial services practices, many of which are not otherwise regulated by the federal government. —Douglas Gillison, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Scams, bidding wars and predatory landlords: One couple’s quest for housing after the fires. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025

Some of Trump’s staunchest supporters from the crypto world accused him of predatory behavior in connection with the coin’s launch. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

1

: of, relating to, or marked by robbing or using others for personal gain

predatory raids

2

: living by predation

predatory animals

Legal Definition

predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtōr-ē 

1

: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means

subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct

—National Law Journal

predatory bidding

2

: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit

predatory loans

3

: of or relating to a sexual predator

predatory assault