The meaning of EXPLOIT is deed, act; especially : a notable, memorable, or heroic act.

EXPLOIT definition: 1. to use something in a way that helps you: 2. to use someone or something unfairly for your own…. Learn more.

1. To employ to the greatest possible advantage: exploit one's talents. 2. To make use of selfishly or unethically: a corporation that exploited peasant labor.

As a verb, exploit commonly means to selfishly take advantage of someone in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself.

If you exploit something, you use it well, and achieve something or gain an advantage from it. You'll need a good antenna to exploit the radio's performance.

We need to exploit [= take advantage of] this opportunity/situation. They were accused of exploiting [= taking advantage of] migrant workers. She said the tragedy had been exploited by …

The verb exploit means to use someone or something, usually selfishly or for profit. Workers who are tired of being exploited by factory owners form unions that allow them to stand together as …

to use for profit; turn to practical account: to exploit a business opportunity. to use selfishly for one's own ends: a company that exploits its workers with low pay and no benefits.

exploit something (disapproving) to treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for yourself. He exploited his father's name to get himself a job. She realized that …

Dec 14, 2025 · (transitive) To make unfair use of someone else's labor, person, or property to one's own advantage. coordinate terms Coordinate terms: take advantage of, abuse, misuse …