sweatshop
UK: ˈswetʃɒp | US: ˈswetʃɑːp
n. a workplace where workers are employed for long hours under poor conditions and low pay, often violating labor laws.
The term "sweatshop" emerged in the late 19th century, combining "sweat" (referring to hard, exhausting labor) and "shop" (a place of work). It originally described garment factories where workers endured grueling conditions, literally sweating due to poor ventilation and intense workloads. The word vividly captures the exploitation and physical strain associated with such environments.
Many fast-fashion brands have been criticized for sourcing clothes from sweatshops.
The documentary exposed the harsh realities of sweatshop labor in developing countries.
Activists are campaigning to eliminate sweatshops and improve workers' rights.
Consumers often unknowingly buy products made in sweatshops.
Laws regulating sweatshops vary widely across different countries.