Exploitation: meaning, definitions and examples
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exploitation
[ ˌɛk.sploɪˈteɪ.ʃən ]
social
The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. Exploitation often involves taking advantage of a power dynamic to exploit the labor or resources of others for personal gain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exploitation |
When talking about taking unfair advantage of someone or something, especially in terms of labor or resources.
|
| misuse |
When talking about using something inappropriately or incorrectly, usually leading to harm or inefficiency.
|
| abuse |
When referring to cruel or violent treatment, often in a physical or emotional context. This word carries a very strong negative connotation.
|
| manipulation |
When describing situations where someone is trying to control or influence others in a deceptive or unfair manner. This can also apply to data or objects.
|
Examples of usage
- The exploitation of workers in sweatshops is a major issue in many developing countries.
- Child labor is a form of exploitation that must be eradicated worldwide.
- She felt exploited by her boss who made her work long hours without proper compensation.
economic
The act of using someone or something in an unfair or selfish way to gain an advantage or profit. Economic exploitation often refers to the unfair treatment of workers in terms of wages, working conditions, or benefits.
Synonyms
oppression, subjugation, utilization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exploitation |
Use this word when talking about unfair treatment and taking advantage of someone or something, often for personal gain.
|
| utilization |
This is a neutral term used to describe the act of making practical use of something, often resources or data.
|
| oppression |
This word is appropriate when discussing the cruel or unjust treatment of people, typically by those in power.
|
| subjugation |
Use this word to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control, often by force.
|
Examples of usage
- The company was accused of exploitation for paying its employees below minimum wage.
- Exploitation of natural resources without considering environmental impact is unsustainable.
- Many multinational corporations engage in exploitation of labor in developing countries.
Translations
Translations of the word "exploitation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 exploração
🇮🇳 शोषण
🇩🇪 Ausbeutung
🇮🇩 eksploitasi
🇺🇦 експлуатація
🇵🇱 wyzysk
🇯🇵 搾取 (さくしゅ)
🇫🇷 exploitation
🇪🇸 explotación
🇹🇷 sömürü
🇰🇷 착취 (착취)
🇸🇦 استغلال
🇨🇿 vykořisťování
🇸🇰 vykorisťovanie
🇨🇳 剥削 (bōxuè)
🇸🇮 izkoriščanje
🇮🇸 nýting
🇰🇿 қанау
🇬🇪 ექსპლუატაცია
🇦🇿 istismar
🇲🇽 explotación
Etymology
The word 'exploitation' originated from the Latin word 'exploitare', which means 'to utilize'. The term gained negative connotations over time, particularly in the context of unfair treatment or abuse for personal gain. Exploitation has been a prevalent issue throughout history, often associated with labor practices, colonialism, and economic inequality.
See also: exploit, exploitable, exploited, exploiter, exploiters, exploiting, exploits, underexploit, underexploitation.