exploitation

noun

ex·​ploi·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsplȯi-ˈtā-shən 

: an act or instance of exploiting

exploitation of natural resources

exploitation of immigrant laborers

clever exploitation of the system

Examples of exploitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kimmie’s journey in the series, tackling the heavy realities of trafficking and exploitation, is something Williams connected with deeply. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025

This data came from well before the 1859 discovery and exploitation of oil in Pennsylvania. —Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025

The current landscape of AI companionship is the Wild West: a vast, unregulated territory ripe for both exploration and exploitation. —Shrikant Nagori, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Nearly a year ago, Tebow, a former Florida and NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, testified before Congress about combating human trafficking and child exploitation. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from exploiter "to exploit entry 2" + -ation -ation

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exploitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation