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

But at the same time, the AI cybersecurity threat has been highlighted by Mythos, a powerful new model that US startup Anthropic withheld from public release to stop it from being exploited by hackers.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Researchers with the company were so excited about their discovery, they drove down from Palo Alto in person Tuesday to Apple’s Cupertino headquarters to present their 55-page report describing the bugs it exploited.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Their choreographed debate exploited and skewered stereotypes via expert timing and pointed wit, hitting home with the predominantly Asian and South Asian audience.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

My father like all successful immigrants before him gently and not so gently exploited his own.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• abused
• oppressed
• overburdened