- exploit
- exploit ex‧ploit [ɪkˈsplɔɪt] verb [transitive]1. to use something fully and effectively in order to gain a profit or advantage:
• New TV companies are fully exploiting the potential of satellite transmission.
• the ways in which natural resources are exploited
2. to treat someone unfairly in order to make money or to get an advantage for yourself:• The system is unjust in that it enables the owners to exploit the workers.
— exploitation noun [uncountable] :• International oil companies have been seen as symbols of imperialist exploitation.
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exploit UK US /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ verb [T]► to use or develop something for profit or progress in business: exploit resources/technology/information »We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.
»exploit opportunities/potential
»This collection of valuable sound recordings has never been commercially exploited.
► DISAPPROVING to treat someone unfairly in order to make money or get an advantage: »Laws exist to stop companies exploiting their employees.
»These unfortunate people have been ruthlessly exploited.
► often DISAPPROVING to use something, often unfairly, for your own advantage: exploit a loophole/weakness/vulnerability »These are responsible employers who are not seeking to exploit loopholes in the legislation.
»People exploit the system by lodging multiple appeals.
exploitable /ɪkˈsplɔɪtəbl̩/ US /-ṱə-/ adjective► »The coal mine is no longer commercially exploitable.
Financial and business terms. 2012.