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

Thinking about the hype for African contemporary art in the international art market has experienced in the past decade, does NACI have plans to intend to protect and nurture younger artists from exploitation? — Emi Eleode, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026

The Justice Department referred USA TODAY to a statement by Alessandra Serano, the trafficking and child exploitation coordinator. — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Legal service providers said at the heart of the matter is upholding due process, protecting children from exploitation and ensuring the federal government follows its own laws. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Modesto police said officers arrested 12 people after months-long investigations into child exploitation reports. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 30 July 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