What does exploit mean?
To exploit something is to draw full advantage from it, whether by harnessing a natural resource, seizing an opportunity, or taking unfair advantage of another person. This dual character gives the word its distinctive range: exploiting solar energy or a market opportunity sounds resourceful and even praiseworthy, while exploiting workers or a crisis sounds predatory and unjust. In computing, the verb has taken on a specialized sense — using a security flaw to breach a system — which has made the term especially prominent in technology contexts. As a noun, an exploit is a bold or remarkable feat, often heroic, as in the exploits of an explorer or soldier. Derived forms include exploitation, exploitative, and overexploit. The stress pattern differs by part of speech — the verb stresses the final syllable, the noun the first — making this one of English's useful heteronym pairs.
To make practical use of something, especially in order to gain an advantage or benefit; also, to treat someone unfairly in order to profit from their labor or circumstances.
"The firm exploited its position as sole supplier to raise prices sharply."
When the object is a person or group, the word almost always carries a negative moral judgment.
A bold, daring, or remarkable act or achievement, often one involving courage or skill.
"His mountaineering exploits were legendary among climbers."
Stressed on the first syllable (/ˈeksplɔɪt/), unlike the verb. Usually used in the plural when referring to a series of deeds.
Used primarily when recounting a series of notable deeds rather than a single one.
"The biography recounts her many exploits across two continents."
The same word that celebrates a hero's daring exploits can also condemn the exploitation of workers — it all depends on whether you're praising the deed or the motive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exploit
Exploit derives from the Latin verb explicare, meaning 'to unfold' or 'to unfold out,' which passed into Old French as despleier/esploitier, giving Middle French esploit ('deed, accomplishment'). English borrowed both senses from French in the late medieval period: the noun meaning 'a deed or accomplishment' came first, followed later by the verb sense of 'making use of.' It shares its Latin root with explicit, explicate, and complicate, all built on the same base relating to folding or unfolding.
Related word forms
How exploit is actually used
The verb carries a neutral-to-positive sense when referring to resources or opportunities ('exploit a resource'), but a strongly negative connotation when applied to people ('exploit workers'). The noun 'exploit' is always positive or admiring in tone. Note the stress shift between the two parts of speech: the verb stresses the second syllable, while the noun stresses the first.
Easily confused with exploit
'Deploy' means to bring into effective action or position (e.g. troops or software), while 'exploit' means to use something for benefit, often unfairly; they share a Latin root but differ in meaning.