noun

exploit

EHKSP-loyt

noun

A bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one.

"Stories of his wartime exploits became local legend."

A piece of code or technique that takes advantage of a security flaw.

"Hackers used an exploit in the outdated software to steal data."

verb

To make good use of something to your own advantage.

"The team exploited a weakness in the opposition's defense."

To treat someone unfairly for your own benefit.

"The factory was accused of exploiting underpaid workers."

How to Use Exploit

Learner’s notes

In 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

exploited past tense, exploits plural, exploits singular

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Stories of his wartime _____ became local legend.

From Old French esploit, "achievement, profit," related to Latin explicare ("to unfold, accomplish").

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