noun
exploitation
ehksp-loy-TAYSHN
noun
1
The unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.
"The report exposed the exploitation of migrant workers."
2
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 notesIn 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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The report exposed the _____ of migrant workers.
Etymology
Borrowed from French exploitation, from exploiter ("to exploit"), from Latin explicare ("to unfold, deploy").