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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consumers are beginning to recognize the true cost of cheap clothing—both in terms of environmental degradation and the exploitation of workers. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 12 May 2025 Their work was published less than two weeks after President Trump signed an executive order to accelerate the exploitation of deep-sea resources, such as through mining. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025 Pope Francis spoke often about the exploitation of labor. Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The erasures, almost exclusively promoted by Republicans, target legal prohibitions against child exploitation that have been in place for nearly a century. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 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 20 May. 2025.

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