exploit

¹ American  

[ik-sploit, eks-ploit, ik-sploit] / ɪkˈsplɔɪt, ˈɛks plɔɪt, ɪkˈsplɔɪt /

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 ² American  

[ek-sploit, ik-sploit] / ˈɛk splɔɪt, ɪkˈsplɔɪt /

noun

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

   the exploits of Alexander the Great.

   Synonyms:

   accomplishment

---

exploit British  

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

Usage

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.

Related Words

See achievement.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of exploit¹

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

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

Example Sentences

Beijing’s national-security office in Hong Kong warned that any attempt to exploit the fire to create disorder would be punished by law.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both roles face challenges, though, and the more the U.S. exploits foreigners, the higher the risk they look elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ogier's exploit was all the more remarkable as he was competing as a 'part-time' driver this year, skipping three of the 14 rallies.

From Barron's

U.S. and Russian companies could join to exploit the vast mineral wealth in the Arctic.

From The Wall Street Journal

The FBI promptly traced the exploit to North Korea.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse
• apply
• capitalize on
• employ
• handle
• manipulate
• mine
• profit from
• use
• utilize