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

These films have always carried rich undercurrents: the corporate exploitation of blue-collar workers (the Nostromo crew, the marines in Aliens, the kids of Romulus), queered reproduction via body horror, Ripley’s evolving incarnations of motherhood, human hubris punished by its own creations. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2025

These creatures are instantly subjected to bigotry and exploitation, carrying a metaphor that becomes a kind of revolving door. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025

The move is part of an initiative officials say is meant to ensure migrant children are not victims of human trafficking or victims of other forms of exploitation. —Laura Romero, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2025

Yet, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom ignored the exploitation of children when publicly criticizing the operation. —Mike Garcia, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 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