exploitation

American  

[ek-sploi-tey-shuhn] / ˌɛk splɔɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. use or utilization, especially for profit.

   the exploitation of newly discovered oil fields.

2. selfish utilization.

   He got ahead through the exploitation of his friends.

3. the combined, often varied, use of public-relations and advertising techniques to promote a person, movie, product, etc.

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Usage

What does exploitation mean? Exploitation is the act of selfishly taking advantage of someone or a group of people in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself.Exploitation is a noun form of the verb exploit, which commonly means to take advantage in such a way. The adjective form is exploitative, as in exploitative practices. As a verb, exploit can also be used in a more neutral way that doesn’t imply selfishness: to make the best use of something, especially an opportunity, or to create a profit or other benefit. But when the verb is applied to people, it is always used negatively.Exploitation can also be used in a way that means the use of something, especially for profit, as in Since we have these resources, we should make sure that the exploitation of them maximizes revenue. Still, exploitation is most commonly used in a negative way. One phrase in which it has this negative sense is exploitation film, a low-budget movie characterized by extreme violence, excessive gore, gratuitous sex, or other content meant to shock, disgust, or titillate.The related term blaxploitation refers to the exploitation of Black people and stereotypes about them, especially in movies featuring or intending to appeal to Black people.Example: The exploitation of workers to maximize profit is sadly widespread.

Other Word Forms

• exploitational adjective
• exploitationally adverb
• nonexploitation noun
• overexploitation noun

Etymology

Origin of exploitation

From French, dating back to 1795–1805; exploit ², -ation

Example Sentences

John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” dramatized the suffering and exploitation of farmers migrating to California from the drought-ridden Dust Bowl of Oklahoma.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lowenthal’s bill cited social media’s dangers such as “exposure to harmful content, compulsive use patterns, exploitation, and adverse impacts on mental health and well-being.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It's not about stopping everyday use, but about ensuring that any commercial exploitation is authorised," he added.

From BBC

"We cannot expect that the promise of the future success of a company be used to justify wage exploitation in the present," she said in a statement.

From Barron's

"Through our criminal exploitation intervention services across Scotland and the UK, we support children, young people and families affected by exploitation working closely in partnership with police and other agencies."

From BBC