exploitation
exploitation — noun
1. the process of using natural resources or a situation to gain a practical or eco
the process of using natural resources or a situation to gain a practical or economic benefit
The company's exploitation of the oil fields brought huge profits to the region.
exploitation of + natural resource
Mizuki argued that careful exploitation of solar energy could reduce household electricity costs.
exploitation of + energy source
Ravindra's village relied on the exploitation of nearby mineral deposits for new jobs.
Environmentalists criticised the timber company for its excessive exploitation of the rainforest.
Élise's research focused on the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources in Iceland.
- utilisation
more neutral; lacks the 'gain' component
- development
broader and usually positive; implies improvement, not just extraction
- harnessing
suggests active control of a resource, especially energy; more dynamic
- conservation
focuses on protecting resources rather than using them
- preservation
implies keeping resources untouched; stronger than conservation
文法句型
exploitation + of + [natural resource / energy source / situation]
用法筆記
Frequently appears with nouns for natural assets: oil, minerals, land, forests, energy. In economics and business writing it can be neutral or positive; the negative tone is carried by modifying adjectives (excessive, unchecked, over-).
常見錯誤
2. the act of making someone work for your benefit while paying them too little or
the act of making someone work for your benefit while paying them too little or treating them badly, or taking unfair advantage of a situation for personal gain
The documentary exposed the exploitation of garment workers by major international fashion brands.
exploitation of + workers by + company
Baraka's father helped form a union to end exploitation of coffee pickers in the region.
end the exploitation of + workers
New laws in Guatemala aim to prevent exploitation of domestic workers with few legal protections.
The charity works to stop the exploitation of street children in large South Asian cities.
Amelia refused to work overtime without pay, calling it exploitation of her good will.
- oppression
broader; includes cruelty and denial of rights beyond economic treatment
- abuse
broader; can be physical, emotional, or systemic; less tied to labour
- victimisation
focuses on the harm suffered by the individual rather than the benefit gained by the exploiter
- fair treatment
direct opposite in labour contexts
- protection
describes shielding vulnerable people from harm or unfair use
文法句型
exploitation + of + [group of people]
[possessive] + exploitation
用法筆記
Strongly negative connotation. The person or entity doing the exploiting is typically in a position of power — an employer, company, industry, or system. The victims are vulnerable groups: workers, children, migrants, the poor. Commonly appears in human rights, labour rights, and social justice writing.