a desire to exploit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desire to exploit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing motivations or intentions, particularly in contexts related to taking advantage of resources, people, or situations. Example: "His actions were driven by a desire to exploit the vulnerabilities in the system for personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A desire to exploit the potential of the category is what lured 2(X IST to the arm party.

The New York Times

And a desire to exploit the Mediterranean gas, which is also claimed by the Turkish-Cypriots, makes a settlement far more pressing.

The Economist

But he said caution was warranted because Bin Laden had expressed a desire to exploit the anniversary with some kind of follow-up attack.

The New York Times

In his view, European pressure for greater spending masked a desire to exploit the German taxpayer for the benefit of the country's neighbors.

The New York Times

Colleges and universities that have plunged into the online field, mostly public, cite their dual missions to serve as many students as possible while remaining affordable, as well as a desire to exploit the latest technologies.

The New York Times

The Black Caps captain, Brendon McCullum, strongly denies that such thinking exists, but some have suggested his decision to bowl first in both matches was not so much born from a desire to exploit surfaces he thought would become moribund (although this might be a part of it) but more from the fresh memory of being bundled out for 45 by South Africa having chosen to bat.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Finkelstein views himself as innocent of any desire to exploit "The Holocaust" for his own ends, unlike his apparently countless enemies.

The New York Times - Books

It was called into being not by a hunger for war but by the desire to exploit a market — professional-wrestling and X-treme Fighting saturnalias play into the movie's atmosphere.

The New Yorker

"This right is more important than the desire to exploit a tragic situation, especially when no public good is being served.

The New York Times - Sports

A common rationale is the desire to exploit large, clinically well-annotated FFPE collections.

Bioinformatics

People discover, to their dismay, that the desire to exploit an energy resource as cheaply as possible can lead to something like war.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a desire to exploit", consider the ethical implications of taking advantage of a situation or resource. Ensure your writing reflects awareness of potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a desire to exploit" when a more neutral phrase like "a desire to utilize" would be more appropriate, especially when discussing resources or opportunities that can be used responsibly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire to exploit" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes a motivational state focused on taking advantage of something. As Ludwig AI shows, this can range from exploiting fear to exploiting resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desire to exploit" is a noun phrase denoting a motivation to take advantage of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, the phrase often carries negative implications. As shown in the examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of its connotations and consider alternative phrasing if a more neutral tone is desired. It is crucial to be aware of the ethical implications of exploitation and strive for responsible and balanced communication. Consider alternatives such as "a wish to make the most of" when a less aggressive tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inclination to take advantage of

Focuses on the tendency or predisposition to exploit.

an eagerness to capitalize on

Highlights the enthusiastic aspect of taking advantage.

an ambition to leverage

Emphasizes using something to gain an advantage.

a drive to maximize gains from

Highlights the forceful nature of wanting to extract maximum benefit.

a motivation to profit from

Specifically highlights the financial gain aspect.

a propensity to game the system

Implies exploiting rules or procedures for personal benefit.

a tendency to manipulate

Emphasizes the controlling aspect of exploitation.

a wish to make the most of

Suggests maximizing benefits, sometimes subtly.

a strong urge to cash in on

Emphasizes the desire for quick profit or benefit.

an intent to utilize fully

Focuses on comprehensive usage, which can border on exploitation.

FAQs

How can I use "a desire to exploit" in a sentence?

You can use "a desire to exploit" to describe someone's motivation to take advantage of a situation or resource, as in, "The company's actions were driven by "a desire to exploit" the market's vulnerabilities."

What are some alternatives to "a desire to exploit"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an eagerness to capitalize on", "an ambition to leverage", or "an inclination to take advantage of".

Is "a desire to exploit" always negative?

While often associated with negative connotations, the phrase itself is neutral. The negativity arises from the context and what is being exploited. However, it's often more prudent to use a more neutral alternative.

How does "a desire to exploit" differ from "a desire to utilize"?

"A desire to utilize" suggests using something effectively and responsibly, while "a desire to exploit" implies taking unfair or unethical advantage, often prioritizing personal gain over other considerations.