I was exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone took unfair advantage of you, often in a context of labor, relationships, or financial matters. Example: "After realizing the conditions of my internship, I felt that I was exploited by the company for their own benefit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"With each job, I was exploited more.

The New York Times

"It's been a slow learning curve and it may look like I was exploited when I was starting out, but I managed to boost my portfolio," she says.

The Guardian

"I was exploited like a rag doll," he allegedly said.

Huffington Post

"In my previous work, I was exploited; I worked overtime for minimum wage," Joselyn Mendoza said at a meeting of the nascent collective, speaking in Spanish through translator and friend Daniel Puerto.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

("If Alan thought I was exploiting his murder, he'd be thrilled," Mr. Berg joked).

The New York Times

Franklin said: "I was exploiting a loophole in the telecoms' company marketing plans.

The Guardian

He was polite, friendly, businesslike and in total control, giving me no sense that I was exploiting him.

Independent

"If you hated the play, or if you felt like I was exploiting you.... ...... "No, no, none of these feelings.

The New York Times

E-mails from their great-grandchildren? "I worried it might seem like I was exploiting it," Mr. Brokaw said in an interview last week.

The New York Times - Style

You'd be hardpressed to tell me that if I took a self portrait I was exploiting the sensational.

Vice

On the contrary, I was exploiting perverts with nothing better to do than cough up cash for a young woman's dirty laundry.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was exploited", be specific about the context and how you were taken advantage of to ensure clarity and impact.

Common error

Don't simply state "I was exploited" without providing details. This can weaken your statement. Instead, describe the specific actions or circumstances that led you to feel exploited to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was exploited" functions as a statement of experience, indicating that the speaker was subjected to unfair treatment or was taken advantage of. It is a declarative statement expressing a passive experience. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase indicates someone took unfair advantage of you.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was exploited" is a statement used to express that someone has been unfairly taken advantage of. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, primarily news and media. While uncommon in frequency, it effectively conveys a sense of victimization. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific details of the exploitative situation. Alternatives like "I was taken advantage of" or "I was used" can also be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoiding vague claims is crucial to strengthen the impact of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was taken advantage of

This alternative is a more general way of expressing that someone benefited unfairly from your actions or situation.

I was used

This suggests that you were treated as a means to an end, lacking genuine consideration for your well-being.

I was manipulated

This indicates that someone cleverly controlled or influenced your actions for their own benefit.

I was mistreated

This broad term implies that you were handled unfairly or abusively in some way.

I was victimized

This alternative emphasizes the harm or suffering you experienced as a result of someone else's actions.

I was swindled

This specifically suggests that you were cheated out of money or possessions through deception.

I was cheated

This is a general term for being treated unfairly or dishonestly, especially in a transaction or agreement.

I was deceived

This implies that someone misled you with false information or appearances.

I was hoodwinked

A less formal synonym for deceived, suggesting a clever trick or deception.

I was double-crossed

This indicates that someone betrayed your trust by working against you in a secret or unexpected way.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I was exploited"?

Saying "I was exploited" means you felt someone took unfair advantage of you, often for their own benefit and without regard for your well-being. This can occur in various contexts, such as labor, relationships, or finances.

What can I say instead of "I was exploited"?

You can use alternatives like "I was taken advantage of", "I was used", or "I was manipulated" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I was exploited" or "I felt exploited"?

Whether you say "I was exploited" or "I felt exploited" depends on your certainty. "I was exploited" states it as a fact, while "I felt exploited" indicates your perception or emotional response to the situation. The latter might be more appropriate when there is room for interpretation or differing opinions.

What are some signs that I "am being exploited" in a work environment?

Signs of exploitation in the workplace include consistently working overtime without compensation, being assigned tasks outside your job description, being denied fair promotions or raises, and experiencing a lack of recognition for your contributions.