exploit

/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

Say it: ik-SPLOYT

1. verb To use a person, resource, or situation unfairly or unethically for one's own advantage.
The company was accused of exploiting its workers by paying them less than the minimum wage.
2. verb To make full and effective use of a resource or opportunity.
To win the game, we must exploit every weakness in our opponent's defense.
3. noun A bold, notable, or heroic act; a feat.
The knight's legendary exploits were told in stories for generations.

📖 Seen in the wild

Many companies exploit natural resources without considering the long-term environmental impact.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ exploit in a sentence

Hackers were able to exploit a vulnerability in the website's code to access user data.
The film director is known for exploiting the scenic beauty of the remote landscape.
His memoirs recounted the daring exploits of his time as a foreign correspondent.
Critics argue that the new law could be exploited by landlords to evict tenants unfairly.
She cleverly exploited a loophole in the rules to gain an advantage.
The opposition party is trying to exploit the government's recent scandal.
We must exploit our unique position in the market before competitors catch up.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

take advantage of manipulate abuse utilize harness capitalize on leverage milk

take advantage of · a common phrase that strongly implies unfairness, just like exploit.

manipulate · suggests clever, often deceptive, control over a person or situation.

abuse · a stronger term that implies cruelty and harm, going beyond just unfairness.

utilize · a neutral alternative, meaning simply to make use of something effectively.

Opposites: nurture, protect, preserve, aid, support

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'exploit' traces back to the Old French 'esploit,' meaning an achievement or outcome. This came from the Latin 'explicitus,' meaning 'unfolded' or 'set forth.' The original sense of a great achievement survives in the noun form, while the verb evolved from the idea of working something to get revenue, which later gained its common negative sense of doing so unfairly.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

exploit a weaknessexploit a loopholeexploit workersexploit resourcessexually exploit

The verb 'exploit' carries a strong negative connotation in its most common usage, implying selfishness and injustice. However, in contexts like business, technology, or strategy, it can be used neutrally to mean 'make the best use of.' Be aware of the different pronunciations: the verb is stressed on the second syllable (ik-SPLOYT), while the noun is stressed on the first (EKS-ployt).

Word family: exploitation, exploitative, exploiter

💬 Quick answers

What does 'exploit' mean?

Most commonly, it means to use someone or something unfairly for your own benefit. It can also mean to make good use of a resource, or, as a noun, a brave and exciting act.

Is using the word 'exploit' always negative?

Not always. While it often implies unfairness, it can be used neutrally to mean 'utilize effectively,' such as when a business exploits a market opportunity. Context is key.

What is the difference between 'exploit' and 'utilize'?

'Utilize' is a neutral term for making practical use of something. 'Exploit' often carries a negative connotation of using something or someone selfishly, though it can also be used neutrally.

How do you pronounce 'exploit'?

The verb is stressed on the second syllable: ik-SPLOYT. The less common noun form, meaning a daring act, is stressed on the first syllable: EKS-ployt.

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