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exploitation

n.
US //ˌɛksˌpɫɔɪˈteɪʃən// UK //ɛksplɔɪtˈeɪʃən// ex·ploita·tion
  1. 1 unfair treatment (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The charity works to protect children from exploitation in the garment industry.

    Example

    The report highlighted the systemic exploitation of migrant workers, who were often forced to work long hours for sub-minimum wages in hazardous conditions.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this sense.

  2. 2 use of resources (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    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.

    Example

    The country is looking for new ways for the exploitation of its natural gas reserves.

    Example

    Commercial exploitation of the mineral deposits remained unfeasible until recent advancements in deep-sea drilling technology made the process cost-effective.

    Usage

    Can be countable or uncountable.

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  1. 3 lurid media genre (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    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.

    Example

    The director became famous for making low-budget exploitation films in the 1970s.

    Example

    While often dismissed as mere trash, certain exploitation movies from that era are now studied for their subversive social commentary.

    Usage

    Often used as a modifier, as in 'exploitation cinema'.

    • sensationalism
Origin

Borrowed from French exploitation, from exploiter (“exploit”), from Latin explicō (“unfold, deploy”).

Word family

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