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

Explanation

Have you ever seen pictures of poor sick children in advertisements and wondered if they were being used for someone's profit? If this is the case, call it exploitation. When you’re talking about natural resources or knowledge rather than people, exploitation meaning "the fullest most profitable use of something" is not a bad thing. The exploitation of recycled materials can only be beneficial to our pollution problems. When people suffer under exploitation, however, it means their misfortune is being used for another's profit. Child labor, sweatshop work and debt slavery are all forms of exploitation.

Example Sentences

“Many unaccompanied minors are brought to the border by smugglers and face real risks of exploitation, which is why providing a clear, lawful advisal is essential,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Periclean Athens really was the site of a magnificently new form of political life among equals, though not one free of exploitation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It remains to be seen whether Meta would sustain major damage from more widespread legal action related to child exploitation or the arguably addictive nature of social media.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

It says the changes are intended to protect people facing "extreme and oppressive" discrimination and to prevent exploitation and trafficking.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

It was a story of exploitation and disaster for at least a hundred thousand Haitians, and in one way or another, Farmer had to deal with it every day.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French