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.
