noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

exploit

EHKSP-loyt

Exploit (noun) means a bold or notable achievement, especially a daring one. Example: “Stories of his wartime exploits became local legend.”

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"Hackers used an exploit in the outdated software to steal data."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

Word forms

exploited past tense, exploits plural, exploits singular

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Stories of his wartime _____ became local legend.

Etymology

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

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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utilize capitalize on take advantage of feat achievement leverage

Related words

use doing using success influence apply achievement coup

Rhymes for exploit

dacoit Benoit Detroit

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.

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