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

There’s no exploitation happening here at all. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026

If others participated in, enabled or benefited from exploitation, the public deserves to know that investigations are active and that no one is shielded by wealth, power or status. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

The pastor's son at Micah Beckwith's Life Church was sentenced to prison in a child exploitation case. —Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 17 Feb. 2026

Florida just took a significant step in defending its citizens from one of the most dangerous threats facing America today — the Chinese Communist Party’s exploitation of American data, infrastructure and institutions. —February 17, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 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