1. the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
2. the action of making use of and benefiting from resources

Examples

• The workers complained about exploitation by their employer.
• Child labor is a form of exploitation that must be stopped.
• The company was accused of worker exploitation through low wages.
• The exploitation of natural resources has damaged the environment.
• Oil companies began exploitation of the newly discovered reserves.
• The exploitation of coal deposits brought wealth to the region.
• Fair trade practices help prevent the exploitation of farmers.