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

Dutch officials have warned that a high-severity macOS vulnerability that allows attackers to execute malicious code is under active exploitation. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026

Financial stress can increase isolation and vulnerability to exploitation. — Drema Hymon, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Funds could be coming Working with and on behalf of victims of crime, Richardson has seen firsthand how limited access to healthcare and poor outcomes can put people at risk of experiencing exploitation and neglect. — Sofi Zeman august 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

The 1976 exploitation movie was set in a police station on the eve of the building’s retirement. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

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