exposure
gb/ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ/ us/ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
being affected by something
Being in a situation where you can be harmed or influenced by something.
Usage pattern:
exposure to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exposure' (the state) with 'expose' (the verb). For example, saying 'I have expose to the sun' instead of 'I have exposure to the sun'.
Synonyms
contact (General term for coming into touch with something, not always harmful.)
|
vulnerability (Focuses more on the susceptibility to harm rather than the act of being subjected.)
Antonyms
protection (Indicates being shielded from harm instead of subjected to it.)
Collocations
exposure to sunlight
|exposure to risk
|exposure to chemicals
|prolonged exposure
|risk exposure
Themes
health
|safety
|environment
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing.
- The new policy reduces workers’ exposure to dangerous chemicals.
- Children’s exposure to violent media is a growing concern.
- His long exposure to the sun left him with a severe burn.
Learner examples
- Too much exposure to the sun can hurt your skin.
- She has little exposure to English outside school.
- We must avoid exposure to cold weather.
- Exposure to smoke is bad for children.
Noun
B2
state
2
state of being seen or uncovered
When something is open and can be seen or touched because it is not covered.
Synonyms
visibility (Focuses on the ability to be seen, not necessarily lack of cover.)
Antonyms
concealment (Refers to keeping something hidden from view.)
Collocations
public exposure
|media exposure
|skin exposure
Themes
appearance
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The photograph shows the mountain’s full exposure to the wind.
- The scandal led to unwanted exposure in the press.
- His sudden media exposure made him uncomfortable.
Learner examples
- He does not like too much exposure in the news.
- The plants died because of exposure to cold air.
- She avoided exposure by staying inside.
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
3
light reaching film or sensor
In photography, how much light you let into the camera when taking a picture.
Synonyms
shot duration (Less common; refers specifically to time element in photography.)
Antonyms
underexposure (Too little light reaches film or sensor.)
|
overexposure (Too much light reaches film or sensor.)
Collocations
long exposure
|short exposure
|correct exposure
Themes
photography
|technology
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A long exposure captures more detail in low light.
- Adjusting the exposure will make the image brighter.
- The photo was ruined by overexposure.
Learner examples
- The photo is dark because of low exposure.
- You need more exposure for night photos.
- He changed the camera’s exposure settings.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exposure
IPA
GB/ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ/
US/ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ/
Syllables & stress
ex - pos - ure (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pos)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: exposure
- Plural: exposure, exposures
Word family
Forms
exposures
noun
Core family
expose
verb B1
exposed
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unexposed
adjective
Advanced or less common
overexpose
verb
overexposure
noun
underexpose
verb
underexposure
noun
Expressions
exposure therapy
1/ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ θˈɛɹəpi/
fixed phrase
technical
treatment by facing fears gradually
A type of treatment where you slowly face something you are afraid of until it becomes less scary.
Examples
- Exposure therapy helped her overcome her fear of flying.
- The psychologist recommended exposure therapy for his social anxiety.
overexposure to [something]
1/ˌoʊvɚɪkspˈoʊʒɚ tə sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
too much harmful contact
When you have too much contact with something that can hurt you.
Examples
- Overexposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer.
- He suffered from overexposure to loud noises at work.
public exposure
1/pˈʌblɪk ɪkspˈoʊʒɚ/
fixed phrase
being seen by many people
When many people know about you or see you, often through media.
Examples
- The artist gained public exposure after winning the award.
- Public exposure can help a business grow quickly.