exploited

American  

[ik-sploi-tid] / ɪkˈsplɔɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. utilized or made practical use of, especially for profit.

   Edible insects are a widely exploited food source among many of the world’s Indigenous populations.

2. used selfishly by someone for their own ends.

   Every one of these exploited workers shared stories of their inhumane working conditions and their determination to fight back.

---

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of exploit.

Other Word Forms

• half-exploited
  adjective
• self-exploited
  adjective
• unexploited
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of exploited

exploit ² ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's exploited is fully taken advantage of. Fear is probably the most commonly exploited emotion used by directors of horror films. Exploited talents are ones that have been put to good use. And resources that are exploited are being used advantageously. However, this word is quite often used in a more negative way, to mean "used in a victimizing way." In some countries, exploited children are forced to work long hours in bad conditions. When animals are used to test shampoo, most people agree these critters are also exploited.

Example Sentences

U.S. aid has been a lifeline for communities whose desperation can be exploited by militant recruiters.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

“If we don’t have a strong enough regulatory environment, and business has too much power, workers can be exploited, the environment can be exploited and we can see really negative social outcomes,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Saab, 54, and his business partner Alvaro Pulido were charged with running a network that exploited a subsidized food aid program for Venezuela known as CLAP.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Also driving Zcash’s surge: receding fears that U.S. regulators will take issue with the coin’s privacy features, which some worry could be exploited for ill use.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Will had concealed his well, laughed loud, exploited perverse virtues, and never let his jealousy go wandering.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• abused
• oppressed
• overburdened