/ ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn; NAmE / 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
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