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.

---

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

“Continued exploitation and denial of their freedom is making them worse, and time is running out!”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Claims of financial exploitation are generally subject to civil statutes of limitations, meaning that actions to recover stolen assets must typically be filed within three to six years, depending on the state.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The government says the bill intends to "streamline" the existing framework, plug implementation gaps and better protect vulnerable groups by strengthening penalties for exploitation, forced identity and trafficking.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Three years ago, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez sued Meta, claiming the parent company of Facebook and Instagram did not do enough to protect children from exploitation on social media platforms.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

The terrifying thought that Adolf Hitler might beat the Allies to exploitation of the atom’s destructive capacity had prompted many eminent scientists, including numerous refugees from Nazi Germany, to participate willingly in the Manhattan Project.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik