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.
Twenty-five percent of elder abuse is financial exploitation. Carol Thompson, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 Most of the infrastructure that was struck was located within the heart of the civilian population, as part of Hezbollah's cynical exploitation of Lebanese civilians as human shields in order to safeguard its operations. Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026 My forthcoming research explores how social media platforms, messaging apps and gaming communities succeed and fail at protecting young people from grooming attempts, unwanted contact and other forms of online exploitation. Sharlette A. Kellum, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026 This November, the people of Florida will have an opportunity to hire a new attorney general, one who focuses on the actual duties of the attorney general like protecting the people of Florida from fraud and other crimes and consumers from exploitation by utility and insurance companies. Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exploitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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