exploit

¹

[ek-sploit, ik-sploit]

noun

1. a striking or notable deed; feat; spirited or heroic act.

   the exploits of Alexander the Great.

   Synonyms: accomplishment

exploit

²

[ik-sploit, eks-ploit, ik-sploit]

verb (used with object)

1. to utilize, especially for profit; turn to practical account.

   to exploit a business opportunity.

2. to use selfishly for one's own ends.

   employers who exploit their workers.

3. to advance or further through exploitation; promote.

   He exploited his new movie through a series of guest appearances.

noun

Digital Technology.

1. 1. a flaw in hardware or software that is vulnerable to hacking or other cyberattacks.

   2. a piece of software that takes advantage of such a flaw to compromise a computer system or network.

2. (in a video game) the use of a bug or flaw in game design to a player’s advantage or to the disadvantage of other players.

exploit

noun

1. a notable deed or feat, esp one that is noble or heroic

verb

1. to take advantage of (a person, situation, etc), esp unethically or unjustly for one's own ends

2. to make the best use of

   to exploit natural resources

Other Word Forms

• exploitable adjective
• exploitability noun
• exploitative adjective
• exploitatory adjective
• exploitive adjective
• exploiter noun
• nonexploitable adjective
• nonexploitative adjective
• nonexploitive adjective
• unexploitable adjective
• unexploitative adjective
• unexploitive adjective
• exploitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exploit¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English exploit, espleit, from Old French exploit, Anglo-French espleit, from Latin explicitum, neuter of explicitus “unfolded, set forth,” variant past participle of explicāre “to unfold, unroll, smooth, reveal”; explicate

Origin of exploit²

First recorded in 1300–50; from French exploiter, derivative of exploit (noun); replacing late Middle English expleiten “to achieve,” from Anglo-French, Middle French espleiter, espleitier, derivative of espleit, esploit, expleit, exploit (noun), from Latin explicitum “matter settled, displayed,” noun use of explicitus “unfolded, revealed,” variant past participle of explicāre; exploit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of exploit¹

C14: from Old French: accomplishment, from Latin explicitum (something) unfolded, from explicāre to _explicate

Synonym Study

See achievement.

Example Sentences

It means, even in a seven-game series, there could be few weak spots in the Milwaukee pitching staff for the Dodgers to exploit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

With conditions at the various group-stage venues proving to favour spinners considerably, England continue to prove that they have one of the most formidable attacks to exploit such pitches.

Read more on BBC

"As we found out… with that role of respect and trust, unfortunately, there was a side where he was able to exploit that trust with children that he came into contact with."

Read more on BBC

A collection of stories from the annals of the Explorers Club puts harrowing Arctic exploits side by side with less demanding journeys.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Those post-Ibrox exploits may give some pause for thought and the man himself may have doubts over inheriting a struggling squad, but Gerrard likely has the personality to handle such a high-profile post.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• abuse 
• apply 
• capitalize on www.thesaurus.com
• employ 
• handle 
• manipulate 
• mine 
• profit from www.thesaurus.com
• use 
• utilize 

When To Use

What does exploit mean?

As a verb, exploit commonly means to selfishly take advantage of someone in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself. As a noun, exploit means a notable or heroic accomplishment.As a verb, exploit can also be used in a more neutral way that doesn’t imply selfishness: to make the best use of something, especially an opportunity, to create a profit or other benefit. But when the verb is applied to people, it is always used negatively. The noun form of the verb exploit is exploitation, and the adjective form is exploitative, as in exploitative practices. Example: I know you’re trying to live up to the exploits and success of your father, but exploiting your workers to maximize profit is not the way to do it.