be exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

"be exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone uses another person or a situation to gain an advantage. For example, "The boss took advantage of the interns and exploited their need for experience to get them to work for free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was cheap land to be exploited.

The New York Times

The Irish's corners can be exploited.

The New York Times

No one should be exploited or mistreated.

The New York Times

How can it best be exploited?

The Guardian - Sport

It was porous, and the holes could be exploited.

The New York Times - Tech

Otherwise, she said: "I think the women will be exploited".

The Guardian

Can games not be exploited for educational purposes?

The Guardian - Tech

If loopholes exist in regulations they will be exploited.

The Guardian - Sport

Nostalgia's sentimental side can be exploited, often for commercial gain.

The Guardian - Music

Those experiences had to be exploited and expunged".

The Guardian

"Such research could be exploited for non-therapeutic modifications.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "be taken advantage of" or "be used" if you want to soften the tone or avoid overly negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "be exploited" when simply describing the efficient or beneficial use of resources. Exploitation carries a negative connotation of unfair or unethical use, whereas utilization suggests a more neutral or positive application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exploited" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being unfairly used or taken advantage of, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be exploited" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe situations where someone or something is unfairly taken advantage of. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase carries a negative connotation, implying unethical or unjust treatment for personal gain. While suitable across various registers, understanding its negative weight is crucial. Consider alternatives like "be taken advantage of" or "be used" if a less accusatory tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be taken advantage of

This alternative uses a more common idiom to convey a similar meaning of unfair use.

be used

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying "be exploited", focusing on the action of using someone or something.

be manipulated

This term emphasizes the aspect of control and influence in the exploitation process.

be victimized

This alternative highlights the negative impact and suffering experienced by the person being exploited.

be abused

This phrase suggests a more severe form of exploitation, often involving physical or emotional harm.

be capitalized on

This focuses on the act of turning someone's disadvantage into an advantage for oneself.

be profited from

This emphasizes the financial gain derived from exploiting someone or something.

be milked

This idiom suggests extracting as much value as possible from someone or something, often exhaustively.

be bled dry

This vivid phrase conveys the idea of being completely drained of resources or energy through exploitation.

be leveraged

This emphasizes the aspect of using someone's or something capabilities for an additional gain.

FAQs

What does "be exploited" mean?

The phrase "be exploited" means to be unfairly used or taken advantage of for someone else's benefit. It implies that someone is being treated unethically or unjustly in order to gain an advantage.

What can I say instead of "be exploited"?

You can use alternatives like "be taken advantage of", "be used", or "be manipulated" depending on the context.

How can I use "be exploited" in a sentence?

You can use "be exploited" to describe situations where someone is being unfairly used for profit or gain, such as, "Workers fear they will "be exploited" if labor laws are not enforced".

What is the difference between "be exploited" and "be used"?

While both phrases suggest that someone is being utilized, "be exploited" implies a stronger element of unfairness, injustice, or unethical behavior compared to "be used".