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

Dr Lyn Goldsworthy, from the University of Tasmania and a long-time observer at CCAMLR meetings, told The Guardian that China was seeking to exert its influence in the region for geopolitical reasons, with an eye on future exploitation. —The Week Uk, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024

This was largely due to political compromises to gain support from Southern Democrats, who wanted to maintain the status quo of labor practices that benefited from the exploitation of these workers. —Keely Cat-Wells, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024

Sheridan’s first female-centric show seemed…a little like exploitation? —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024

Accepting unpaid work perpetuates an unethical cycle where fair compensation is sidestepped in favor of exploitation. 6. —Melissa Houston, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above