ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prostitution

n.
US //ˌpɹɑstəˈtuʃən// UK //pɹˌɒstɪtjˈuːʃən// pros·ti·tu·tion
  1. 1 sexual activity for payment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of providing sexual services to another person in exchange for money or goods.

    the practice of engaging in sexual activity with others in exchange for financial compensation or material goods. Uncountable in its general sense.

    Example

    The city council debated new laws regarding prostitution in the downtown area.

    Example

    Sociologists often examine the complex intersection of poverty, migration, and legal frameworks that influence the prevalence of prostitution in urban centres.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'to engage in'.
    • sex work
  2. 2 misuse of talent (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    using your skills, art, or beliefs in a way that feels wrong or dishonest just to make money.

    the unworthy or corrupt use of one's talents, abilities, or principles for personal gain or profit. Often used as a metaphor for moral compromise.

    Example

    The artist felt that making commercials was a prostitution of his creative talent.

    Example

    Critics argued that the author's decision to write a sensationalist sequel was a blatant prostitution of her literary reputation for the sake of a quick profit.
Origin

From Late Latin prostitutio. Equivalent to prostitute + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026