# exposure

/ɪkˈspoʊʒɝ/ (US) · /ɛkspˈəʊʒɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exposure
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. being unprotected

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being unprotected from something harmful, like the weather or a disease.

For teachers: the condition of being exposed to or unprotected from environmental elements, pathogens, or harmful substances.

- The hikers were suffering from exposure after spending the night in the cold rain.
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without adequate skin protection significantly increases the risk of long-term cellular damage.

### 2. making something public

noun · CEFR B2

the act of showing the truth about something, especially something bad or secret.

For teachers: the revelation of an identity, fact, or situation, especially one that is shocking or illegal.

- The newspaper's exposure of the corruption scandal led to the minister's resignation.
- The documentary provided a chilling exposure of the industry's systemic disregard for environmental safety protocols.

### 3. publicity

noun · CEFR B2

the amount of attention someone or something gets from the public or media.

For teachers: the degree of public visibility or media attention afforded to a person, brand, or product.

- The young singer gained a lot of exposure after her video went viral on social media.
- The marketing team sought maximum exposure for the new product by securing prime-time television slots and high-traffic digital banners.

### 4. photography

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the amount of light that reaches a camera film or sensor to make a picture.

For teachers: the total amount of light allowed to fall on a photographic medium during the process of taking a photograph.

- I used a long exposure to capture the movement of the stars at night.
- Adjusting the aperture and shutter speed allows the photographer to achieve the perfect exposure even in challenging low-light conditions.

### 5. financial risk

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the amount of money a person or company might lose in an investment.

For teachers: the state of being at risk of financial loss, or the total amount of money invested in a particular market.

- The bank reduced its exposure to the housing market to avoid potential losses.
- The fund manager diversified the portfolio to limit the firm's exposure to volatile emerging markets during the economic downturn.

### 6. physical position

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the direction a house or garden faces, especially in relation to the sun.

For teachers: the direction in which a building or piece of land faces, or its openness to weather conditions.

- This plant needs a southern exposure to get enough sunlight during the day.
- The architect designed the living area with a northern exposure to ensure consistent, indirect light throughout the working day.

## Examples

- The hikers suffered from exposure after the storm hit.
- The young artist gained significant exposure after her work was featured in a national magazine.
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without adequate protection can lead to severe skin damage, making sunblock an essential part of any outdoor routine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.