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.

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

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 media.

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.

If you refer to someone's exploits, you mean the brave, interesting, or amusing things that they have done. His wartime exploits were later made into a film.

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 her youth and …

EXPLOIT definition: 1. to not pay or reward someone enough for something: 2. to use or develop something for your…. Learn more.

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 Materialistic …