noun
exploitation
ek-sploy-TAY-shun/ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/
The use of something to gain an advantage.
Weak labor laws leave workers vulnerable to exploitation by employers.
Etymology
This action noun originally praised the productive working of something. It became a term of condemnation for unfair use, partly through French socialist writing and perhaps also through American anti-slavery writing.
In context
Massive exploitation combined with environmental changes has caused abalone populations to plummet.
More examples
- Commercial exploitation of the forest provides timber but threatens wildlife.
- The company's success depends on its exploitation of new market opportunities.
- The update prevents exploitation of a security flaw.
Forms
exploitation
exploit verb — To use someone or something for advantage.
exploitative adjective — Taking unfair advantage of people or things.
Similar words
- utilization
- Emphasizes practical use without suggesting unfair treatment or personal gain.
- abuse
- Specifically means harmful or improper use, not necessarily for advantage.