exploiting

American  

[ik-sploi-ting] / ɪkˈsplɔɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of utilizing something, especially for profit.

   More resources should be allocated to the exploiting of the local market by attracting more business to the region.

2. the act of using a person or thing selfishly for one’s own ends.

   When I saw the commercial, I was appalled at the exploiting of children's sorrow for corporate gain.

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adjective

1. using a person or thing selfishly or for profit.

   In late czarist Russia, activists began to galvanize workers and peasants against the exploiting landowners, industrialists, and state.

Other Word Forms

• self-exploiting adjective

Etymology

Origin of exploiting

First recorded in 1830–40; exploit ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; exploit ² ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

Given that set-plays are predictable, teams have the ability to prepare specific routines built around exploiting how the defending side typically set up.

From BBC

Hacking experts worry they will be good at exploiting them, too.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before that, it was considered a "battleground of Europe", with foreign powers repeatedly exploiting its territories.

From BBC

“The FBI will ensure that any individual exploiting the promise of educational opportunities for our city’s children will be taught a lesson,” Dennehy added.

From Los Angeles Times

In Teddy's mind, Michelle has assumed a powerful position on Earth, which her alien race is exploiting for its own ends.

From Barron's

Related Words

• crooked
• fraudulent
• nefarious
• rotten
• shady
• unethical
• unscrupulous
• untrustworthy
• venal