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.
Senate Bill 9, the state law allowing lot splits, includes a three-year owner occupancy requirement to prevent developer exploitation. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025 One outcome of stigma exploitation is value reversal, showing that something negative can become positive. Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 That’s why evils like human trafficking and child exploitation exist. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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