What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exploitation
Example
The company was accused of exploitation for paying its workers below minimum wage. [exploitation: noun]
Example
He felt exploited by his boss, who made him work long hours without overtime pay. [exploited: past participle]
exploration
Example
The team went on an exploration of the jungle to discover new plant species. [exploration: noun]
Example
She enjoyed exploring different cultures and customs during her travels. [exploring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exploitation is a more common word than exploration in everyday language, especially in the context of social justice or labor rights. However, exploration is still a widely used word, particularly in the context of travel, science, and research.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exploitation and exploration?
Exploitation is typically associated with a serious and formal tone, while exploration can be used in a variety of formality levels, from casual to academic.
