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.
Behind the competing images of glamour and exploitation were women whose own stories have largely been lost to history. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2026 Likewise, Google’s Cloud Threat Horizons research found that the time between vulnerability disclosure and widespread exploitation has shrunk from weeks to days. — Alex Spokoiny, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 But this exploitation of Catholic bishops who were praying for their president, not delivering papal edicts with political patinas, feels especially repulsive. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 In short, the four unions are collectively making the case that fair use cannot be decided with blanket exemptions and must remain a case-by-case judgement call, so as to protect human workers from exploitation. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 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

Rhymes for exploitation

See All Rhymes for exploitation

Browse Nearby Words

exploitable
exploitation
exploitative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploitation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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