exploits

exploits — verb

IPA/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
KK[ˈɛksplˌɔɪts]IPA/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
  • exploitspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • exploitses3rd person singular
  • exploitsing-ing form
  • exploitsedpast simple

1. to get the best possible result from a resource, skill, or opportunity by puttin

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to get the best possible result from a resource, skill, or opportunity by putting it to practical use. For example, a farm might fit solar panels to generate its own electricity, or a coach might place a fast runner in a position where speed matters most.

Example

The farm exploits solar energy to power its irrigation system during the dry season.

exploit + natural resource as object

The coach exploited Caleb's speed by putting him on the right wing.

exploit + personal attribute as object

Common collocations
  • exploit resources
  • exploit technology
  • exploit an opportunity
  • exploit potential
  • exploit data
  • fully exploit
  • successfully exploit
Synonyms
  • utilize

    more formal; suggests practical use of a tool or material

  • harness

    suggests capturing a natural force or energy to make it useful

  • capitalize on

    emphasises taking advantage of a situation or trend

  • make the most of

    more informal; stresses getting the best result from limited resources

Antonyms
  • waste

    to use something carelessly without getting full benefit

  • squander

    to waste something valuable, especially money or an opportunity

  • underuse

    to use something less than its full potential

Grammar Patterns

exploit + noun phrase (resource / opportunity / skill)

Usage Note

Object is typically a resource (energy, data), a skill or attribute (speed, talent), or an opportunity. Unlike sense verb/2 (TAKE ADVANTAGE), this sense carries a neutral or positive connotation and does not take a personal object.

Common Mistakes

The company exploited its workers to increase profits.' (when meaning 'used resources well')
The company exploited its natural resources to increase profits.
The neutral sense of 'exploit' takes resources or opportunities as its object, not people.
He exploited from the opportunity.
He exploited the opportunity.
'Exploit' is a transitive verb and must be followed directly by its object, not by a preposition.

2. to treat a person or a situation in a selfish, unfair way in order to gain money

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to treat a person or a situation in a selfish, unfair way in order to gain money, power, or some other benefit for yourself. For instance, a company might pay very low wages to workers who have no other job options, or a business might find a legal loophole and use it to avoid paying taxes.

Example

Some landlords exploit immigrant workers by charging them unfairly high rent.

exploit + vulnerable group as object

The local tabloid exploited the train accident to sell more newspapers.

exploit + event as object

Common collocations
  • exploit workers
  • exploit children
  • exploit the system
  • exploit a loophole
  • exploit weakness
  • cruelly exploit
  • shamelessly exploit
  • ruthlessly exploit
Synonyms
  • take advantage of

    slightly less harsh; can be used in neutral or negative contexts

  • abuse

    stronger connotation of mistreatment or improper use

  • manipulate

    suggests controlling someone through clever or dishonest means

Antonyms
  • respect

    to treat someone with fairness and consideration

  • protect

    to keep someone safe from harm or unfair treatment

  • support

    to help someone in a positive, selfless way

Grammar Patterns

exploit + noun phrase (person / group / situation)

Usage Note

Object is often a person, a group of people, or a vulnerable situation. Frequently appears in discussions of labour rights, power imbalances, and unethical business practices. Subject is usually a person or organisation with more power than the object.

Common Mistakes

The manager exploited from his employees.
The manager exploited his employees.
'Exploit' takes a direct object; no preposition is needed.
He exploited the natural resources.' (when meaning 'unfair treatment of people')
He exploited the natural resources.' (neutral sense) vs. 'He exploited his workers.' (negative sense)
The object of the sentence tells you which meaning is intended; using a person as the object signals the negative sense.

exploits — noun

IPA/ˈek.splɔɪt/
KK[ˈɛksplˌɔɪts]IPA/ˈek.splɔɪt/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These words all describe getting a benefit from something, but they differ in register and scope. 'Exploit' (USE WELL) is neutral — it simply means making good practical use of something like a resource or skill. 'Utilize' is more formal and suggests using something for a purpose it may not have been designed for; a doctor might utilize a paperclip to open a medicine bottle. 'Harness' is more vivid, suggesting that you are capturing a natural force and controlling it — wind farms harness the wind. 'Capitalize on' focuses on spotting and taking advantage of a trend or situation, like capitalizing on a competitor's mistake. 'Make the most of' is the most informal and everyday option: 'We only had two hours, so we made the most of the time.' Use 'exploit' when the focus is on efficiency and benefit; use 'harness' for natural forces; use 'capitalize on' for opportunities; and use 'make the most of' in casual conversation.

utilize ↗harness ↗capitalize onmake the most of ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • exploit to the full
  • exploit for personal gain

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'exploit' comes from the Latin verb 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to accomplish'. This passed into Old French as 'exploit', which meant 'achievement' or 'successful result'. English borrowed it in the 1300s with the noun meaning 'a brave deed'. By the 1400s, a verb form emerged meaning 'to accomplish something'. Over the next 300 years, the verb evolved further: in the 1700s it came to mean 'to make productive use of' (sense 1), and by the 1800s it had developed the negative meaning 'to use someone unfairly' (sense 2). The noun sense ('a notable deed') and the two verb senses all come from the same historical root — the unfolding of an action into a result.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined above Verb