Iskoritavanje

Iskorištavanje (also written iskorištavanje with diacritics) is a noun in South Slavic languages derived from the verb iskorištavati, meaning to exploit or utilize. The term denotes the act of using something to obtain benefit and typically carries a negative or critical connotation when it implies unfair advantage, manipulation, or harm to others. In neutral or technical contexts it can also refer to efficient use of resources or opportunities.

Etymology and form: iskorištavanje comes from koristan (useful) and the verb koristiti (to use), with the prefix is- emphasizing extraction or application, and the suffix -avanje forming a generic noun for the act or process.

Contexts and usage: The expression appears in discussions of labor, economics, and law to describe exploitative practices, such as iskorištavanje radne snage (exploitation of labor) or iskorištavanje resursa (resource exploitation). It can also appear in ethical debates, journalism, and policy discourse when calling out unfair or predatory behavior by individuals, corporations, or institutions. In positive or neutral framing, the term may refer to effective or efficient utilization, though this sense is less common and typically clarified by context.

Translations: English equivalents vary by context and include exploitation, utilization, or taking advantage of. The nuance of iskorištavanje often hinges on fairness and impact on others within the described situation.