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

What seems to be at the heart of this latest dispute is publishing royalties for digital exploitation, meaning online sales or streaming. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025

The law, enacted in 2014 and then amended in 2019, allows for cooperation in criminal matters like human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and weapons trafficking, and cybercrimes. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

So testosterone becomes an easy target for insecurity and commercial exploitation. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, the Milan Prefecture has introduced a memorandum of understanding to tackle worker exploitation, undeclared work, tax evasion and unfair contractual practices in the fashion supply chain. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 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