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

Employees working in the industry in other states have expressed concerns about whether the public licensing databases that contain their personal information and photographs can open them to harm and exploitation if accessed by the wrong people. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 28 Jan. 2026

In that case, the New Mexico Attorney General alleges that the Facebook-parent company failed to safeguard its apps, resulting in the exploitation of children by online predators. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

The move, announced Tuesday, is aimed at reducing labor exploitation in Spain’s underground economy. —Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

Its hearts-and-minds campaigns stress social justice, in contrast with the corruption and exploitation most Nigerians struggle under. —Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 26 Jan. 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