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GRE vocabulary

exploit

verbHigh-frequency wordMore E words

to make full use of something, often in an unfair or selfish way for one's own advantage

Word origin: From Latin explicare, to unfold.

In a sentence

Exploit in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing exploit in a sentence.

The company was accused of exploiting cheap labor in its overseas factories.

The firm was accused of exploiting a regulatory loophole to avoid millions in taxes.

Synonyms
utilizemanipulateabuseleverage
Antonyms
neglectprotectrespect
Usage & nuance

Using “exploit” well

As a verb, exploit can mean simply to use a resource fully or, more often, to take unfair advantage. Tone depends on context: exploit a resource is neutral, exploit workers is condemnatory.

Common questions

Questions about “exploit

Exploit (verb) means to make full use of something, often in an unfair or selfish way for one's own advantage
Here is exploit used in an example sentence: "The company was accused of exploiting cheap labor in its overseas factories." Another example: "The firm was accused of exploiting a regulatory loophole to avoid millions in taxes."
Common synonyms for exploit include utilize, manipulate, abuse, leverage.
Antonyms of exploit include neglect, protect, respect.
Clusters with utilize, manipulate, abuse, and leverage in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms neglect, protect, and respect signal the contrast, and the sentence's tone usually disambiguates the sense.
Yes. Exploit is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.