prostitution
C1Formal, Legal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The practice of engaging in sexual activity for payment.
The act or practice of using one's talents, skills, or principles in a way considered unworthy or degrading, especially for financial gain.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to a commercial activity or social institution. The extended metaphorical use is common in political and cultural criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term 'sex work' is increasingly used as a more neutral alternative in both varieties, though 'prostitution' remains the standard legal and academic term.
Connotations
Strongly negative connotations of exploitation, illegality, and social stigma in both varieties. The metaphorical use is equally common.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The term is less common in casual conversation, where euphemisms or slang might be used.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the prostitution of [abstract noun: talent, principles, art]prostitution is [verb: legal, illegal, rife, widespread] in [location]laws against prostitutionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the oldest profession (euphemism)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like 'human trafficking' or in discussions of regulated industries in certain jurisdictions.
Academic
Common in sociology, criminology, gender studies, and law. Often examined alongside topics of migration, law, public health, and feminism.
Everyday
Used with caution due to strong stigma. Often replaced with euphemisms or the term 'sex work' in more neutral discussions.
Technical
Used in legal statutes, police reports, public health research, and social work. Definitions (e.g., what constitutes an act of prostitution) can be precise and vary by jurisdiction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was accused of prostituting his artistic talents for corporate advertising.
- The regime was criticised for prostituting the nation's heritage for tourism revenue.
American English
- She felt she had prostituted her principles by taking the lobbying job.
- The film was accused of prostituting a serious historical event for entertainment.
adverb
British English
- (No dedicated adverb. 'Prostitution' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (No dedicated adverb. 'Prostitution' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The documentary explored the city's prostitution problem. (noun used attributively)
- Prostitution-related offences have increased. (compound adjective)
American English
- They debated the prostitution laws in the state legislature. (noun used attributively)
- She works for a prostitution prevention charity. (compound adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Prostitution is illegal in many countries.
- The novel is about a woman forced into prostitution.
- The government is considering whether to decriminalise prostitution.
- He argued that writing jingles was a prostitution of his musical talent.
- Feminist perspectives on prostitution range from seeing it as inherently exploitative to advocating for its recognition as legitimate labour.
- The politician's volte-face was seen by critics as a shameless prostitution of his former ideals for electoral gain.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PROfessional conSTITUTION: Imagine someone making their body's 'constitution' their 'pro'-fession for money.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROSTITUTION IS A MARKET / COMMODITY EXCHANGE (e.g., selling oneself); TALENT/PROSTITUTION IS DEGRADATION FOR MONEY (e.g., the prostitution of one's art).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'проституция' (прямой перевод, корректно). Основная ловушка — в стилистическом регистре и коннотациях. В русском просторечии часто используются более грубые синонимы ('шлюха', 'блядство'), которые в английском имеют ещё более резкую окраску. Английское 'prostitution' — это стандартное формальное/книжное слово.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'prostitusion'. Incorrect preposition: 'prostitution with' (correct: 'prostitution of' for metaphorical use, 'involved in prostitution' for literal).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best illustrates the EXTENDED meaning of 'prostitution'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They often refer to the same activity, but 'sex work' is a broader, more neutral term favoured by many activists and researchers to frame it as labour. 'Prostitution' is the traditional legal and academic term, often carrying stronger negative connotations.
Yes, very commonly. It is used metaphorically to criticise the perceived debasement or cheapening of something valuable (like talent, art, or principles) for money or popular appeal.
The verb is 'to prostitute' (oneself, one's talents, etc.). It can be used both literally and metaphorically.
No, it is generally an uncountable noun. You do not say 'a prostitution' or 'prostitutions'. You refer to 'prostitution' as an activity or institution, or use phrases like 'an act of prostitution'.
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