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.
Until now, stablecoins have operated in a legal gray area, with few guardrails to protect consumers, prevent financial instability, or limit exploitation by malicious actors. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has said Israel’s settlement policies and exploitation of natural resources in the occupied Palestinian territories breaches international law. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 How this escapes the investigative gaze of those in law enforcement and the judiciary responsible for rooting out city government’s exploitation of its taxpayers is beyond remarkable. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2025 But Riaz chose a lawless way of life, court records show, that ended with him getting caught and pleading guilty to both child exploitation and white-collar crimes. Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 12 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exploitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!