noun C1 Advanced Common

exploitation

ehksp-loy-TAYSHN

Exploitation (noun) means the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain. Example: “The report exposed the exploitation of migrant workers.”

noun

The unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

"The report exposed the exploitation of migrant workers."

The act of making practical use of something, such as a resource.

"The exploitation of natural gas reserves boosted the economy."

How to Use Exploitation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsing something (or someone) for gain — often, but not always, in an unfair way.

Common pairings

worker exploitation resource exploitation

Word Forms

exploitations plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report exposed the _____ of migrant workers.

Etymology

Borrowed from French exploitation, from exploiter ("to exploit"), from Latin explicare ("to unfold, deploy").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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misuse abuse manipulation utilization development

Related Words

development step attack construction growing progress exercise developing

Rhymes for exploitation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “exploitation” mean?

The word “exploitation” means the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain. In plain terms, using something (or someone) for gain — often, but not always, in an unfair way.

How do you pronounce “exploitation”?

“Exploitation” is pronounced ehksp-loy-TAYSHN (/ˌɛksplɔɪˈteɪʃn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “exploitation” in a sentence?

Here is “exploitation” used in a sentence: “The report exposed the exploitation of migrant workers.”

What part of speech is “exploitation”?

“Exploitation” is a noun.

Where does the word “exploitation” come from?

The word “exploitation” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French exploitation, from exploiter ("to exploit"), from Latin explicare ("to unfold, deploy").

Is “exploitation” a common word?

“Exploitation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “exploitation” have?

“Exploitation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

What is the difference between exploitation and exploit?

Exploitation is a noun describing either the unfair use of someone for personal gain or the general act of making practical use of a resource. Exploit can function as a noun meaning a daring achievement or as a verb meaning to make use of or take unfair advantage of something.

When is exploitation used in a neutral sense rather than a negative one?

Exploitation can refer neutrally to the practical use of a resource, such as the exploitation of natural gas reserves or mineral deposits. In discussions of people or labor, however, exploitation almost always carries a negative, unfair connotation.

What is worker exploitation?

Worker exploitation refers to the unfair use of employees for personal or corporate gain, typically involving underpayment, unsafe conditions, or excessive demands relative to what workers receive in return. It draws on the sense of exploitation meaning unfair use of someone for personal benefit.

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