exploit
gb/ˈɛksplɔɪt/ us/ˈɛksplɔɪt/
B2
English
~ 3100
kihasznál, kizsákmányol, visszaél, hasznosít, él, hőstett, bravúr, kiemelkedő teljesítmény
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to exploit [someone/something] for [something]
The company was accused of exploiting its employees by paying very low wages.
A céget azzal vádolták, hogy nagyon alacsony bérekkel kizsákmányolja az alkalmazottait.
He exploited the legal loophole to avoid paying taxes.
Kihasználta a jogi kiskaput, hogy elkerülje az adófizetést.
Tourists sometimes exploit the local culture without respecting it.
Learner examples
The shop owner exploited the workers.
A bolt tulajdonosa kihasználta a dolgozókat.
They exploited the cheap prices in the market.
Kihasználták az alacsony piaci árakat.
She exploited his kindness to get money.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exploit' with 'explore'. 'Exploit' means to use unfairly, while 'explore' means to look around or investigate.
Meaning
Use unfairly for advantage
Collocations
exploit workers
|exploit resources
|exploit a situation
|exploit a loophole
Synonyms
take advantage of (Common in everyday speech; slightly less formal than 'exploit'.)
|
abuse (Stronger negative connotation, implies harm or cruelty.)
Antonyms
protect (To keep someone safe instead of using them unfairly.)
|
support (To help and assist rather than use for personal gain.)
Themes
business
|ethics
|society
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To treat someone or something unfairly to get a benefit for yourself.
To make use of someone or something in an unfair or selfish way, often for personal gain.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to exploit [something] to [do something]
The team exploited their opponent's weakness to win the match.
A csapat kihasználta az ellenfél gyengeségét, és megnyerte a mérkőzést.
She exploited her language skills to get a better job.
Hasznosította a nyelvtudását, hogy jobb állást szerezzen.
We need to exploit renewable energy sources more efficiently.
Learner examples
The player exploited the open space to score.
A játékos kihasználta az üres területet, és gólt szerzett.
He exploited the chance to talk to the manager.
Élt a lehetőséggel, hogy beszéljen a vezetővel.
They exploited the new tool to finish faster.
Common mistake:
Some learners only know the negative meaning of 'exploit' and miss its neutral or positive usage in certain contexts.
Meaning
Use effectively for advantage
Collocations
exploit opportunities
|exploit strengths
|exploit technology
Synonyms
utilize (More formal and neutral; lacks the negative connotation of 'exploit'.)
|
leverage (Often used in business contexts to mean using an asset to gain advantage.)
Antonyms
waste (To fail to use something effectively.)
Themes
business
|technology
|sports
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To use something well so you get a good result.
To make full and effective use of a resource, opportunity, or situation.
NOUN
B2
3
The soldier's exploits were celebrated in his hometown.
A katona hőstetteit szülővárosában ünnepelték.
Her exploits as a mountain climber inspired many young adventurers.
Hegymászóként elért kiemelkedő teljesítményei sok fiatal kalandort megihlettek.
The book tells the exploits of a famous detective.
Learner examples
We read about his exploits in the war.
Olvastunk a háborúban véghez vitt hőstetteiről.
Her exploits made her famous in the city.
A hőstettei híressé tették a városban.
The movie shows the exploits of the hero.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this noun form with the verb meaning. In this sense, it refers to an action or event, not the act of using someone or something.
Meaning
Notable or heroic deed
Collocations
heroic exploits
|military exploits
|legendary exploits
Synonyms
feat (Focuses on skill and difficulty of the achievement.)
|
achievement (General term for something successfully done.)
Antonyms
failure (The opposite of a successful or notable act.)
Themes
history
|storytelling
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An exciting or important thing someone does that needs skill or courage.
A brave, notable, or successful act, often involving skill or courage.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exploit
IPA
GB/ˈɛksplɔɪt/
US/ˈɛksplɔɪt/
Syllables & stress
ex - ploit (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ex)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: exploit
- Plural: exploits
Verb
- Base: exploit
- 3rd Person Singular: exploits
- Present Participle: exploiting
- Past: exploited
Word family
Forms
exploits
noun
exploiting
verb
exploited
verb
Core family
exploitation
noun B2
exploitative
adjective C1
Related words
exploiter
noun
exploitable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unexploited
adjective
Advanced or less common
exploitive
adjective
exploitability
noun
Expressions
exploit a loophole
1/ɪksplˈɔɪt ə lˈuphˌoʊl/
fixed phrase
Use legal gap for advantage
To use a small mistake or gap in rules or laws to get an advantage.
Examples
- The company exploited a loophole in tax law to save millions.
- He exploited a loophole in the contract to leave early.
exploit a loophole
1/ɪksplˈɔɪt ə lˈuphˌoʊl/
fixed phrase
Use a rule gap
to use a weakness in a rule to do something that the rule was probably meant to prevent
Examples
- Several companies exploited a loophole in the law to avoid reporting their emissions.
- The app exploited a loophole in the platform's privacy rules.
- He was criticized for exploiting a loophole instead of following the spirit of the agreement.
Learner examples
- They exploited a loophole in the rules.
exploit someone's weakness
1/ɪksplˈɔɪt sˈʌmwˌʌnz wˈiknəs/
fixed phrase
Take advantage of vulnerability
To use something a person cannot do well or is bad at to get an advantage over them.
Examples
- The chess player exploited her opponent's weakness in endgames.
- They exploited his lack of experience during negotiations.