English Reference

Word

exposing

Phoneticsex·pos·ing

US/ɪkˈspoʊzɪŋ/

UK/ɛkspˈəʊzɪŋ/

Definitions

01revealing a secret

B2

v. showing the truth about something, especially something bad or dishonest.

v. revealing the true nature or hidden details of a situation, often involving wrongdoing or a scandal.

“The journalist spent months exposing the corruption within the local government.”

“By exposing the systemic flaws in the banking sector, the report triggered a nationwide conversation about financial ethics and oversight.”

Usage

Often used with an object representing a secret, a lie, or a scandal.

Antonyms

02uncovering something

B2

v. removing a cover so that you can see what is underneath.

v. removing a protective layer or covering to make something visible or accessible.

“They started digging, slowly exposing the ancient stone walls of the city.”

“The receding floodwaters were gradually exposing the damage done to the foundations of the coastal villas.”

Usage

Commonly used in physical contexts like archaeology, construction, or nature.

Synonyms

uncoveringbaring

03making vulnerable

B2

v. leaving someone or something without protection from something harmful.

v. subjecting someone or something to a risk, a harmful influence, or harsh weather conditions.

“Walking in the rain without a coat is exposing you to a cold.”

“The lack of digital security was exposing the company's most sensitive client data to potential hackers.”

Usage

Often follows the pattern 'exposing someone to something'.

Real-World Examples

“He was still handcuffed with the spit hood partly covering his face and his pants sagging down to his ankles, exposing his backside.”
The Guardian · 29 Aug 2026
“The risk with these brands is that people using them may tend to remove them or adjust them to be able to see more clearly, exposing their eyes to the sun in the process.”
The Local · 11 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/exposing

English Reference