ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prostitution

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌpɹɑstəˈtuʃən// UK //pɹˌɒstɪtjˈuːʃən// pros·ti·tu·tion

n. the business of having sex with people for money. It is often discussed in terms of law, safety, and human rights.

n. the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. Often discussed in legal or sociological contexts regarding decriminalisation or exploitation.


SIMPLE

The government is debating new laws regarding prostitution.

CONTEXTUAL

Sociologists often study the economic factors that lead individuals into prostitution and the social stigma attached to the work.

COMPLEX

The debate over the legalisation of prostitution frequently centers on the distinction between voluntary sex work and the systemic exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; rarely used in the plural except when referring to different historical or regional systems.

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