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

"Legitimate businesses play a critical role in preventing money laundering. Supervised businesses need to stay alert to suspicious activity and put systems in place to protect themselves from exploitation," a spokesperson said.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Back-to-back rulings this week found Meta liable for factors such as failing to protect children from exploitation and operating addictive platforms.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

What’s Next: The plaintiff said apps like Instagram and YouTube keep users on their devices even as their mental health declines and makes them vulnerable to exploitation.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

I knew that Burt had been a close associate of Hale’s who had been enmeshed in the systematic exploitation of the Osage.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann