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

The Vatican has said that some of the themes Leo will raise in Africa are the exploitation of natural and human resources, corruption and authoritarian regimes. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

While the pope called for an end to foreign resource exploitation fueling the fighting, residents express doubt that his symbolic visit will produce meaningful political change. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Film’s outrage at the spectacle draws him toward Phamorn, and what begins as solidarity gradually reveals a deeper story of exploitation and the hunger for retribution. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026

CyberTipline is a nationwide service to provide reports of online exploitation of children, and is run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. —Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 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