exploitation

noun

ex·​ploi·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsplȯi-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce exploitation (audio)
: 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
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An ambitious group that references raucous daytime TV talk programs from the likes of Maury Povich and Jerry Springer, for example, tries to wrestle with their trashy exploitation of identity issues as entertainment — DNA paternity tests and all. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 Damaging the brand The notion of craftsmanship itself was thrown into question last July when high-end labels, including Armani and Dior, which is owned by the world’s biggest luxury company LVMH, were probed by Italian authorities over worker exploitation claims. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 13 June 2025 But that openness, critics argue, has made the system vulnerable to exploitation. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 Now Hughes faces federal child exploitation charges. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploitation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from exploiter "to exploit entry 2" + -ation -ation

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploitation was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitation. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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