exploitation

Universal Words noun [U] 1 (disapproving) a situation in which sb treats sb else in an unfair way, especially in order to make money from their work: the exploitation of children * Starvation and poverty are the result of global economic exploitation, not lack of resources. 2 the use of land, oil, minerals, etc: commercial exploitation of the mineral resources in Antarctica 3 (disapproving) the fact of using a situation in order to get an advantage for yourself: exploitation of the situation for his own purposes