Exploiting: meaning, definitions and examples

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exploiting

[ɪkˈsplɔɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

using someone or something unfairly for your own advantage

Exploiting means taking advantage of someone or something in an unfair or unethical way for personal gain. This can involve using someone's labor without fair compensation, abusing resources without regard for sustainability, or manipulating situations for selfish benefit.

Synonyms

abuse, capitalize on, manipulate, utilize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exploiting	Often used in a negative sense to indicate taking unfair advantage of someone or something for personal gain. The company was accused of exploiting its workers by paying them very low wages. These scammers are exploiting vulnerable people.
utilize	Used in a neutral or positive context to describe using something in an effective or practical way. We need to utilize all available resources to solve this problem. The team utilized the new software to improve productivity.
abuse	Used in a negative context to describe the cruel or violent treatment of someone or something. It can also refer to improper use of something. She was a victim of verbal and physical abuse. The manager was fired for abusing his power.
manipulate	Usually has a negative connotation, referring to controlling or influencing someone or something in a clever or unscrupulous way. He tried to manipulate the results of the experiment. She was skilled at manipulating people to get what she wanted.
capitalize on	Generally used in a neutral or positive sense to describe taking advantage of a situation or opportunity. They capitalized on the market trends to increase their profits. We should capitalize on this unique opportunity.

Examples of usage

He was accused of exploiting his workers by paying them below minimum wage.
The company was criticized for exploiting natural resources without considering the environmental impact.
She felt guilty for exploiting her friend's generosity for her own benefit.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to make use of something in a way that helps you

Exploiting also refers to making full use of a resource or opportunity in a way that benefits you. This can involve maximizing the potential of a situation or making the most of available resources to achieve a particular goal.

Synonyms

harness, make the most of, take advantage of, utilize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exploiting	This word is often used in a negative context, implying an unfair or unethical use of resources or people for one's own benefit. He was accused of exploiting his workers by paying them very low wages. The company is exploiting the natural resources without regard for the environment.
utilize	Typically used in a neutral or positive sense, referring to the effective use of a tool, resource, or method for a specific purpose. The new software allows us to utilize our data more efficiently. We should utilize all available resources to tackle this issue.
make the most of	Indicating the act of maximizing the benefit or potential of a situation, usually in a positive or encouraging manner. Despite the rain, we made the most of our trip. She made the most of her time at the conference by networking with industry leaders.
harness	Used to describe effectively using a resource, technology, or energy to achieve a goal, often in a positive or neutral sense. We need to harness renewable energy sources. The team harnessed their skills to complete the project successfully.
take advantage of	Can have both positive and negative connotations. Positively, it means to use something to your benefit; negatively, it can mean using someone unfairly or unethically. She took advantage of the job opportunity to advance her career. He took advantage of her kindness and borrowed money without returning it.

Examples of usage

The team did a great job of exploiting their opponent's weaknesses during the game.
She is skilled at exploiting social media to promote her business.
By exploiting modern technology, they were able to increase their productivity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Latin with 'ex' meaning out of and 'plere' meaning to fill or use.
It entered English in the late 19th century, initially meaning to make full use of a resource.
Over time, the connotation shifted to imply using something unfairly or unethically.

Social Issues

In discussions about labor, exploiting often refers to taking advantage of workers with low pay or harsh conditions.
The concept is central to debates on global capitalism, where resources of poorer countries may be exploited by wealthier nations.
Human trafficking is a severe form of exploitation, involving taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in desperate situations.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who exploit others often lack empathy, making it easier for them to take advantage without remorse.
The motivations behind exploiting can range from greed to a deep-seated need to control others’ resources or power.
Victims of exploitation may experience long-lasting psychological effects, including trauma and diminished self-worth.

Technology and Media

In the tech world, 'exploiting' can refer to taking advantage of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
Digital exploitation is a significant concern, especially regarding personal data breaches and privacy invasion.
Certain media narratives often exploit tragic events to capture audience attention, raising ethical questions about sensationalism.

Economics

Exploitation of resources is often viewed as a critical issue in discussions about sustainability and environmental ethics.
Economists remind us that exploitation, when uncontrolled, can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
The notion of economic exploitation is pivotal in Marxist theory, which criticizes the disparity in capitalist societies.

Translations

Translations of the word "exploiting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 explorando

🇮🇳 शोषण करना

🇩🇪 ausnutzen

🇮🇩 mengeksploitasi

🇺🇦 експлуатувати

🇵🇱 wykorzystywanie

🇯🇵 悪用する

🇫🇷 exploiter

🇪🇸 explotar

🇹🇷 istismar etmek

🇰🇷 착취하다

🇸🇦 استغلال

🇨🇿 využívání

🇸🇰 využívanie

🇨🇳 剥削

🇸🇮 izkoriščanje

🇮🇸 nýta

🇰🇿 пайдалану

🇬🇪 გამოყენება

🇦🇿 istismar

🇲🇽 explotar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,142, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12139 seeded
12140 juveniles
12141 cyclical
12142 exploiting
12143 formaldehyde
12144 crashed
12145 noblest
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