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

But the practice raises not only privacy concerns and questions of consent but also broader fears of worker exploitation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 26 June 2026

Evro, who investigators say is connected to multiple locksmith companies, faces multiple felony charges, including theft and exploitation of at-risk adults. — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 26 June 2026

In a more pointed, though less public, post to her private Instagram account, SZA specifically called out the producer and Major Lazer member Diplo for his role in perpetuating exploitation via AI. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026

Cadenhead pleaded guilty to child exploitation charges and was sentenced to 80 years in federal prison. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 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