to use something or someone effectively in order to gain a benefit or advantage
The startup hopes to exploit a gap in the market for eco-friendly packaging.
Farmers exploit the rich volcanic soil to grow premium coffee beans.
✦ From Old French exploiter “to carry out, accomplish”, from Latin explicitum, past participle of explicare “to unfold, develop”.
to treat someone or something unfairly in order to gain an advantage for yourself
The company was accused of exploiting child labor in its overseas factories.
He exploited his friend's generosity by borrowing money and never paying it back.
a brave, exciting, or notable deed or adventure
The astronaut's daring exploit inspired millions around the world.
Legends tell of the hero's many exploits against fierce dragons.
a piece of software or code that takes advantage of a security weakness in a computer system
Hackers released an exploit that targets an outdated web browser.
The latest security patch closes the exploit before it can spread.
