Exploit Meaning

UK /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
US /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
Word Definition
exploit meaning

Exploit Definition & Usage

verb

To take advantage of a situation or person, often in a way that is unethical or manipulative.

Examples

  • "The company exploited the workers by paying them very little for long hours."
  • "He was accused of exploiting the local community for financial gain."
  • "She felt exploited by her manager, who always gave her extra work without offering any recognition."
  • "The film industry often exploits young actors for their appearance and fame, without regard for their mental health."
  • "In many historical conflicts, powerful nations have exploited the resources of weaker countries."
verb

To make the most of an opportunity, resource, or talent.

Examples

  • "She knew how to exploit her creativity to make the best designs."
  • "The team exploited every opportunity to score during the match."
  • "He exploited his expertise in the field to land a prestigious job."
  • "The startup successfully exploited the new technology to gain a competitive edge."
  • "They exploited the region's natural beauty to develop a thriving tourism industry."
noun

A bold or adventurous act, typically one that is heroic or extraordinary.

Examples

  • "The soldier's exploits during the battle were legendary."
  • "She recounted the exploits of the famous explorer who charted unknown territories."
  • "His exploits in the world of finance made him a well-known figure."
  • "The novel is filled with the exploits of a daring pirate who defies the law."
  • "The athlete's exploits at the Olympics were celebrated by the entire nation."

Cultural Context

The word 'exploit' originates from the Latin 'explotare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to use fully'. Over time, it evolved to have a more negative connotation, especially in the context of unfairly using others for personal gain. In modern usage, it is commonly associated with unethical practices in business, politics, and social relations. However, it can also be used neutrally or positively in the context of utilizing resources or talents to their fullest potential.

The Exploits of the Forgotten Explorer

Story

The Exploits of the Forgotten Explorer

In the quiet town of Abernathy, few people remembered the old explorer who had once been a legend. His name, Alden Greystoke, was synonymous with adventure. At the height of his career, he had explored dangerous, uncharted territories, outwitting wild animals and traversing treacherous landscapes. But in the quiet of his later years, no one could have guessed that Alden's greatest exploit would not be one of physical daring, but rather a daring use of his talents to win a fortune in a rapidly changing world. Alden had always been a man who knew how to exploit a situation to his advantage. His skills in navigation and survival had once made him a hero, but now they served him in a different way. As the world began to change with the rise of technology, Alden saw a new kind of opportunity. The rising interest in virtual exploration and simulation games caught his eye. With his vast knowledge of the wild, he began offering virtual tours of places he had once explored, using modern technology to bring his adventures to life. While others questioned whether this was just a new kind of exploitation of his past, Alden saw it as an opportunity to use his legacy to its fullest potential. His tours became an instant hit, allowing people to experience the thrill of adventure without ever leaving their homes. But not everyone agreed with Alden's new venture. Some claimed that he was exploiting the memories of his past for profit, while others accused him of using technology to overshadow the true value of real-world exploration. Alden, however, was unbothered. He had found a way to turn his exploits into something profitable, something that had allowed him to live comfortably in his later years. It was a fitting conclusion for a man who had always known how to exploit his circumstances.

The Exploits of the Forgotten Explorer