exploitation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work or to make money.
the action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. Often used in socio-economic contexts regarding labour.
Simple“The charity works to protect children from exploitation in the garment industry.”
In context“The report highlighted the systemic exploitation of migrant workers, who were often forced to work long hours for sub-minimum wages in hazardous conditions.”
UsageUncountable in this sense.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the use of something, like land or oil, so that you can get a benefit from it.
the action of making use of and benefiting from resources. Frequently used in technical or industrial contexts.
Simple“The country is looking for new ways for the exploitation of its natural gas reserves.”
In context“Commercial exploitation of the mineral deposits remained unfeasible until recent advancements in deep-sea drilling technology made the process cost-effective.”
UsageCan be countable or uncountable.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a type of film or book that uses shocking or violent subjects to attract an audience.
a genre of film or media that focuses on lurid, sensationalist depictions of topical social issues, violence, or sexuality.
Simple“The director became famous for making low-budget exploitation films in the 1970s.”
In context“While often dismissed as mere trash, certain exploitation movies from that era are now studied for their subversive social commentary.”
UsageOften used as a modifier, as in 'exploitation cinema'.
Synonymssensationalism
“The charges against the 15-year-old were dropped in 2021 when the Home Office made a formal finding that Rhianan had been a victim of exploitation.”
“Are AI companions mapping the mysteries of the human heart for future exploitation?”
Borrowed from French exploitation, from exploiter (“exploit”), from Latin explicō (“unfold, deploy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.