exploit — to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
Example Sentences
- The evil villain tried to exploit Superman's only weakness - kryptonite!
- My mom can exploit any leftover food and turn it into a gourmet meal.
- The company was criticized for exploiting child labor in developing countries.
exploit
VERB[/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/]
to use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage

The company exploited the worker’s lack of experience by paying him very little.

The thief explored the weak spot in the fence and exploited it to enter the garden. (EXPLOIT → EXPLORE A WEAK SPOT → find a weak spot and use it for your own advantage)

The worker avoided the manager who tried to exploit him and looked annoyed.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'explicare' meaning 'to unfold' or 'to unfurl', combined with the prefix 'ex-' (out). The word evolved through Old French 'exploit' to mean a deed or achievement, later developing the sense of using something to one's advantage.
Breakdown
ex- (out) + plicare (to fold/unfold) = exploit (to unfold/unfurl, later: to make use of or take advantage of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
“The country plans to exploit its oil reserves.”
“The factory was shut down for exploiting workers.”
“The movie is based on his heroic exploits.”
“We should fully exploit this opportunity.”
“Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in software.”
📝Examples
“The evil villain tried to exploit Superman's only weakness - kryptonite!”
“My mom can exploit any leftover food and turn it into a gourmet meal.”
“The company was criticized for exploiting child labor in developing countries.”
“Scientists are working to exploit solar energy more efficiently.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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