exploit
EHKSP-loyt
Exploit (noun) means a bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one. Example: “The explorer wrote a book about his daring exploits in the jungle.”
noun
1
A bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one.
"The explorer wrote a book about his daring exploits in the jungle."
"Her latest exploit was swimming across the lake in cold water."
"Stories of his wartime exploits became local legend."
2
A piece of code or technique that takes advantage of a security flaw.
"The company released an update to fix the exploit before anyone could abuse it."
"Security researchers found a new exploit that let attackers bypass the login screen."
"Hackers used an exploit in the outdated software to steal data."
verb
1
To make good use of something to your own advantage.
"Farmers exploit the long summer days to grow a second crop."
"If you exploit your free time well, you can learn a new skill."
"The team exploited a weakness in the opposition's defense."
2
To treat someone unfairly for your own benefit.
"Some landlords exploit tenants who are afraid to complain."
"It is wrong to exploit a child's trust for your own gain."
"The factory was accused of exploiting underpaid workers."
How to use exploit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take advantage of something (fairly or unfairly), or a daring feat, or a security flaw someone can abuse.
Common mistake
Note the stress shift: the noun is EX-ploit, the verb is ex-PLOIT.
Common pairings
exploit a weakness
exploit workers
security exploit
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Word forms
- Plural
- exploits
- Third person singular
- exploits
- Past tense
- exploited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The explorer wrote a book about his daring _____ in the jungle.
Etymology
From Old French esploit, "achievement, profit," related to Latin explicare ("to unfold, accomplish").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for exploit
See all rhymes for exploit →Frequently asked questions
What does “exploit” mean?
The word “exploit” means a bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one. In plain terms, to take advantage of something (fairly or unfairly), or a daring feat, or a security flaw someone can abuse.
How do you pronounce “exploit”?
“Exploit” is pronounced EHKSP-loyt (/ˈɛksplɔɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “exploit” in a sentence?
Here is “exploit” used in a sentence: “Stories of his wartime exploits became local legend.”
What part of speech is “exploit”?
Depending on how it is used, “exploit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “exploit” come from?
The word “exploit” comes from Latin. From Old French esploit, "achievement, profit," related to Latin explicare ("to unfold, accomplish").
Is “exploit” a common word?
“Exploit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “exploit” have?
“Exploit” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one.
What is the difference between exploit and exploitation?
Exploit as a verb means to make use of something to your advantage, and it can be neutral or negative depending on context. Exploitation is the noun form most commonly used in its negative sense, referring to the unfair use of someone or something for personal gain. Exploit the noun instead refers to a bold or notable achievement, a separate meaning entirely.
What does exploit mean in computing?
In computing, an exploit is a piece of code or technique that takes advantage of a security flaw in software or a system. Security researchers and attackers alike use the term to describe methods for breaking into or manipulating vulnerable systems.
Is exploit always a negative word?
Not always. As a noun meaning a bold or daring achievement, exploit is often positive or neutral, as in the exploits of an explorer. As a verb meaning to treat someone unfairly for personal benefit, it carries a clearly negative meaning.
