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exploit

v. · n.
US //ˈɛksˌpɫɔɪt// ex·ploit
  1. 1 to use effectively (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to use a situation or resource in a way that helps you.

    to make full use of and derive benefit from a resource or situation. Transitive; usually carries a neutral or positive connotation in business and science.

    Example

    The company hopes to exploit new technology to reduce its carbon footprint.

    Example

    The research team sought to exploit the unique properties of the new alloy to create more durable medical implants.

    Usage

    Often followed by 'the potential of' or 'the opportunity to'.
  2. 2 to treat unfairly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to treat someone unfairly by making them work hard and not giving them enough in return.

    to make use of a person or a group in a way that is considered unfair or unethical. Transitive; carries a strong negative moral judgement.

    Example

    Laws are in place to stop factories from exploiting young workers.

    Example

    Critics argued that the gig economy often exploits vulnerable individuals who lack the protection of traditional employment contracts.
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  1. 3 an adventure or deed (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    an exciting, brave, or funny action or adventure.

    a bold or daring feat; often used in the plural to describe a series of notable adventures.

    Example

    The book tells the story of the pilot's many exploits during the war.

    Example

    The documentary detailed the explorer's Arctic exploits, including his narrow escape from a collapsing ice shelf.

    Teacher's tip

    This noun sense is often used with a touch of irony or admiration in modern storytelling.
  2. 4 software vulnerability (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a piece of software or a trick that uses a mistake in a computer program to break into it.

    a piece of software, a chunk of data, or a sequence of commands that takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability to cause unintended behaviour.

    Example

    Hackers used a known exploit to steal data from the website.

    Example

    Security researchers discovered a zero-day exploit that allowed unauthorised access to the operating system's kernel.
Origin

From Old French esploit (noun), esploitier (verb).

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