exploit
C1Both formal and informal, depending on sense (noun: formal; verb: neutral/informal, often negative).
Definition
Meaning
A notable, daring, or heroic achievement.
To use a situation or resource for one's own benefit, often selfishly, unfairly, or excessively.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun has a strongly positive connotation (heroic deed). The verb has a strongly negative connotation (take unfair advantage). This polarity makes it a contronym (auto-antonym).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun sense (heroic deed) is slightly more common and formal in UK English. Pronunciation differs in stress pattern.
Connotations
Identical across dialects: noun (positive), verb (negative).
Frequency
The verb sense is more frequent than the noun sense in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP exploit NPNP exploit NP for NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To live to exploit the day (rare, pun on 'carpe diem')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To leverage a market opportunity or competitive advantage.
Academic
To analyse how systems of power take advantage of vulnerabilities.
Everyday
To complain about someone being used unfairly.
Technical
To use a software vulnerability to gain unauthorised access.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The tales of his exploits in the war were legendary.
- Climbing the peak without oxygen was his greatest exploit.
American English
- The film glorifies the daring exploits of a lone adventurer.
- His exploits on the basketball court earned him a scholarship.
verb
British English
- The company was accused of exploiting cheap labour in its overseas factories.
- Hackers exploited a flaw in the software to access private data.
American English
- The coach exploited the other team's weak defense to score three touchdowns.
- He felt his kindness was being exploited by his so-called friends.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The knight was famous for his brave exploit.
- The story told of his many exploits as a young pilot.
- Some companies exploit natural resources without considering the environmental cost.
- The report details how the regime exploits ethnic divisions to maintain its grip on power.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a knight's 'exploit' (noun - good). Now think of a fox in a hen house 'exploiting' (verb - bad).
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE RESOURCES (negative verb), ACHIEVEMENTS ARE TREASURES (positive noun).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'эксплуатация' (operation/use of machinery) which lacks the negative connotation. The verb 'эксплуатировать' can be neutral. English 'exploit' (verb) is almost always negative regarding people.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect stress on noun ('EXploit' in UK). Confusing the positive/negative connotations.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'exploit' as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. The noun (a brave act) is positive. The verb (to use unfairly) is negative.
In UK English, both noun and verb are stressed on the second syllable: ex-PLOIT. In US English, the noun is often stressed on the first syllable: EX-ploit, while the verb remains ex-PLOIT.
Rarely. Even in technical contexts ('exploit a software bug'), it implies taking advantage of a weakness. The noun is the only consistently positive sense.
Using the verb in a positive sense (e.g., 'She exploited her talent' sounds like she misused it). Better: 'She utilised/harnessed her talent.'