overexploit
/ˌoʊvərɪkˈsplɔɪt/
verb
- To use a natural resource or system too much, so that it becomes damaged or exhausted.
- If we overexploit the ocean's fish, there will be nothing left for future generations.
- The company was accused of overexploiting the forest by cutting down trees faster than they could regrow.
- Farmers who overexploit the soil with too many chemicals eventually ruin the land for farming.
- To take unfair advantage of a person, group, or situation for excessive gain.
- The charity was criticized for overexploiting the generosity of donors without actually helping the people in need.
- The factory overexploits its workers by paying them very little and forcing them to work long hours.
- Some landlords overexploit tenants by charging extremely high rent for unsafe apartments.