exploit an opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploit an opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing taking advantage of a favorable situation or chance for personal or professional gain. Example: "The company was quick to exploit an opportunity in the market, leading to significant growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Chelsea must exploit an opportunity.

The Guardian - Sport

If there is any suggestion that a company is trying to exploit an opportunity then it can chase away customers and undermine confidence in a particular cause.

The Guardian

Intelligence requires a network of condition-action rules, where conditions represent challenges that elicit action in order to solve a problem or exploit an opportunity.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

"I do not understand how it could be concluded that I would attempt to set up a 'device' to exploit an opportunity that hadn't occurred to me," Wyvill said.

The Guardian

That is why our members feel it is better to offer help to those in need, rather than healthy businesses trying to exploit an opportunity to change their terms of trade".

The Guardian - Business

Jones, who watched Hiddink's Chelsea take on Manchester City on Saturday, is particularly interested in how football has evolved into a reactive game where players are quick to sense, and exploit, an opportunity.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Whether the Kremlin sponsored Ms Burjanadze or just exploited an opportunity is hard to say.

The Economist

Lugar is quite simply exploiting an opportunity to pander to his home state agricultural and mining interests.

The New York Times

Most pointedly, however, Mrs. Clinton exploited an opportunity before a friendly audience of women to make a concerted attack on Mr. Lazio's debate tactics.

The New York Times

His supporters, who point to his extensive philanthropy as evidence of his generosity, say he is a shrewd deal maker who merely exploited an opportunity.

The New York Times

If an entrepreneur exploits an opportunity, it is because (s)he considers the profit margin to be worth exploiting.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploit an opportunity", consider the ethical implications, as it can sometimes imply taking unfair advantage. Ensure the context makes it clear that the action is strategic and beneficial without being exploitative.

Common error

Avoid using "exploit an opportunity" when the situation involves vulnerable individuals or sensitive topics, as it can easily be perceived as insensitive or unethical. Choose a more neutral term like "leverage" or "capitalize" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploit an opportunity" functions as a verb phrase where "exploit" is the verb indicating the action of taking advantage of something, and "an opportunity" serves as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploit an opportunity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the action of strategically leveraging a situation for gain. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English, and while "exploit" can sometimes carry negative connotations, in this context, it often implies a proactive and efficient approach. It is crucial to consider ethical implications, ensuring the context suggests strategic benefit without unfair advantage. Alternatives such as "capitalize on a chance" or "take advantage of an opening", may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalize on a chance

Emphasizes turning a situation into an advantage; less negative connotation than "exploit".

take advantage of an opening

Focuses on using an available opportunity, often implying a strategic move.

leverage a situation

Highlights using a situation to gain maximum benefit; more business-oriented.

make the most of a possibility

Stresses maximizing benefits from something that could happen; implies foresight.

seize a window of opportunity

Implies urgency and acting quickly before the opportunity disappears.

cash in on a prospect

Suggests converting a potential gain into a tangible benefit, often monetary.

harness a potential

Focuses on controlling and directing potential for a specific purpose.

milk an advantage

Implies extracting every possible benefit from an advantage, sometimes excessively.

dominate a chance

Describes controlling a chance completely, which creates a stronger image.

jump at the chance

Indicates eagerly accepting an opportunity without hesitation; less strategic.

FAQs

What does "exploit an opportunity" mean?

To "exploit an opportunity" means to make full use of a chance or situation for one's own benefit, often implying a strategic and efficient approach.

Is it always negative to say "exploit an opportunity"?

While "exploit" can have negative connotations of unfair advantage, using it in the context of "exploit an opportunity" isn't always negative. It depends on the situation and whether the action is perceived as ethical. Sometimes "capitalize on a chance" could be a better fit.

What are some alternatives to "exploit an opportunity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "take advantage of an opening", "capitalize on a chance", or "leverage a situation", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "exploit an opportunity" effectively in writing?

Use "exploit an opportunity" when you want to emphasize a proactive and strategic approach to benefiting from a situation. Be mindful of the potential negative implications and ensure the context clarifies that the action is ethical and beneficial.