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

Population rise The current population contrasts sharply with the late 19th century, when hunting and habitat exploitation nearly drove the reptiles to extinction. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

The Re>Birth Programme is aimed at connecting rights holders of classic films with buyers, distributors, programmers, sales agents, film labs and publishers and facilitate new avenues of commercial exploitation. — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Human traffickers are turning children’s hunger, desperation and need for affection into tools of exploitation, a Colorado city police sergeant warned after his dedicated unit’s first year brought dozens of survivors to safety. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 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