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

Regulation should be precise enough to target exploitation without eliminating survival tools for homeowners trying to stay afloat. —Jamie Smarr, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026

Boyd and his wife founded the nonprofit Kingdom Home after a 2018 trip to Uganda in an effort to ensure Ugandan children are protected from exploitation by providing shelter, proper nutrition, career training, music lessons and medical care. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

These conditions have fueled widespread reports of labor exploitation, environmental damage and violent disputes over territory, while mercury contamination from gold extraction has posed serious risks to indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

In addition to the Tony Scott-Denzel Washington tribute, the New Beverly’s May calendar features its usual blend of fan favorites, obscurities, exploitation gems, and family matinees. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 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