exploitation
ek-sploi-TAY-shun
/ˌɛk.splɔɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work, or the utilization of resources.
Can be negative (unfair treatment of people) or neutral/technical (utilizing natural resources).
The story behind the word. From Old French exploiter (to unpack, accomplish), originating from Latin explicare (to unfold). In the 19th century, political writers transformed it into a critical term for taking unfair advantage of labor.
Word relationships
- abuse: Abuse implies physical or emotional harm; exploitation focuses on selfish economic utilization.
- protection: Protection shields people or resources from harmful extraction or abuse.
Commonly confused with
- utilization: Utilization means using something efficiently, without the moral connotation of taking unfair advantage.
Word family
- exploit (verb): To make use of unfairly or to utilize.
- exploitative (adjective): Tending to exploit.
Collocations
- economic exploitation
- ruthless exploitation
- exploitation of resources
Example sentences
- "Child labor laws were created to protect vulnerable youth from economic exploitation." Labor Rights
- "The commercial exploitation of solar power has reduced dependence on fossil fuels." Resource Management
Memory hook
EX-PLOIT: EX-tracting profit from workers like squeezing JUICE from a fruit. Unfolding resources for selfish profit.
When not to use
Avoid assuming it is always negative; in mining or energy, 'resource exploitation' simply means extraction.
Fun facts
- In early French, 'exploit' meant a notable deed or feat before acquiring its economic meaning.
Related words
Explore more words
exploit, take advantage of, parasitic, vulnerability, free-rider, coerce
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