Exploiting
/ɪkˈsplɔɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make effective use of a resource or situation, often for personal gain.
/ɪkˈsplɔɪtɪŋ/
To make full use of a resource or situation.
The company is exploiting market opportunities to expand its customer base.
💡 Simply: Imagine you find a secret path that leads to a quicker route to school. You're exploiting the path to save time! It's about using something effectively.
👶 For kids: Using something to get what you want or need, like using a toy to play a game.
More Examples
They are exploiting the latest scientific discoveries to develop new products.
The athlete was exploiting his opponent's weakness to win the match.
How It's Used
"Companies are exploiting new technologies to increase profits."
"The country is exploiting its natural resources for economic growth."
To treat someone or something unfairly in order to benefit from their work or resources.
/ɪkˈsplɔɪtɪŋ/
To treat someone unfairly to get an advantage.
The media was accused of exploiting the tragedy for sensationalism.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is being treated unfairly so that someone else can get ahead. Think of a boss who makes workers work extra hours without extra pay. That's exploiting them.
👶 For kids: To use someone or something in a mean or unfair way.
More Examples
The factory owner was exploiting his workers by making them work in dangerous conditions.
The con artist was exploiting vulnerable elderly people.
How It's Used
"The company was accused of exploiting its workers by paying them unfairly low wages."
"Politicians exploit public fear to gain power."
Idioms & expressions
exploit a loophole
To use a legal or technical flaw to one's advantage.
"The company exploited a loophole in the tax code to avoid paying taxes."
exploit someone's vulnerability
To use a person's weakness or susceptibility to gain an advantage over them.
"The scammer exploited the elderly woman's vulnerability to loneliness by promising her friendship and support."
From Old French *esploitier* 'to achieve, profit by,' ultimately from Latin *explicare* 'to unfold, unravel' (related to 'explain'), evolving to mean to take advantage of.
The word 'exploit' and its forms have appeared in English texts since the 16th century, initially meaning 'to use or make good use of,' and later evolving to include the negative connotation of unfair use.
Memory tip
Think of 'exploiting' as fully putting something to use, like farmers exploiting the land.