exploit one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploit one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing manipulation, taking advantage of others, or unethical behavior in relationships or interactions. Example: "In a competitive environment, some individuals may choose to exploit one another for personal gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A short black-and-white feature with stunningly beautiful camerawork, it is the first film of the Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène, and it highlights many of the show's recurring themes: the contrast of village and urban living and indigenous and Christian religions; the daily humiliations and inherent hypocrisies of colonialism; the tendency to force Africans to exploit one another.

The New York Times - Arts

While in a sense, males and females of all dimorphic species "exploit" one another for reproductive purposes, genuinely parasitic relationships between subgroups of the same species have no models in evolutionary biology and are hard to conceptualize for the Environment of Early Adaptation with its small, nomadic populations.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

When, on a massive worldwide scale we plunder her oil, destroy her forests, pollute her resources, torture and kill her animals, soak her with the blood of her children, exploit one another and trample her with immorality, there will naturally be devastating consequences.

Huffington Post

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that at times the poor exploit one  another.

The New York Times

Team member Mark Pagel, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Reading, speculates that "symbioses are evolutionarily unstable... as it's inevitable that natural selection causes the partners to exploit one another".

Science Magazine

"Although men hate one another, exploit one another, and torture one another, they have, until recently, given their reverence to those who preached a different way of life".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We exploited one another – for money and grades, for lunchbox contents and goodwill  – and fell out with one another, not just for a few days, but for years, over perceived slights.

The Guardian - Books

I Don't Want to Sleep Alone finds the malaise in Malaysia as guest workers from Bangladesh, Japan, Taiwan and China cough their way around a smog-choked Kuala Lumpur, comforting and exploiting one another.

The Guardian

Would you say that they are "exploiting" one another?

eLife

The incident involved one bad actor that was able to subvert our protective systems and exploit one instance of a game running on a single server.

TechCrunch

Why don't we care for, and then exploit one of our greatest resources?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploit one another", ensure the context clearly indicates a manipulative or unfair dynamic between the parties involved. Avoid using it in situations where collaboration or mutual benefit is the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "exploit one another" when describing mutually beneficial partnerships or collaborations. This phrase carries a negative connotation and should only be used when there is a clear imbalance of power or unfair advantage being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploit one another" functions as a verb phrase with a reciprocal pronoun, indicating that the action of exploiting is performed mutually between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes the action of taking advantage of someone. The provided examples illustrate this reciprocal dynamic in various contexts, from colonialism to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploit one another" describes a reciprocal action where individuals or groups unfairly take advantage of each other, typically for personal gain. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable English phrase. While grammatically sound and relatively common in analytical and critical discussions, it is important to consider the negative connotations and ensure the context warrants its use. More neutral alternatives like "take advantage of each other" or "use each other" may be more suitable in certain situations. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Science, with authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian providing examples of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of each other

This alternative is more general and less harsh in tone.

manipulate each other

This alternative emphasizes the intent to control or influence.

exploit each other's weaknesses

This alternative highlights the specific vulnerabilities being targeted.

use each other

This alternative is blunter and focuses on the instrumental aspect of the relationship.

prey on each other

This alternative suggests a predatory dynamic with one party being vulnerable.

dominate one another

This suggests a power dynamic where one seeks to control the other.

abuse one another

This indicates a more severe form of mistreatment.

leverage each other

This is a more neutral term, implying using each other's strengths for mutual benefit, although it can still have a negative connotation.

capitalize on each other

Similar to 'leverage', but with a stronger emphasis on personal gain.

profit from each other

Focuses specifically on gaining an advantage, often financially, at the other's expense.

FAQs

What does "exploit one another" mean?

The phrase "exploit one another" describes a situation where individuals or groups unfairly take advantage of each other, often for personal gain or benefit. It implies a manipulative or unethical dynamic.

What are some alternatives to "exploit one another"?

You can use alternatives like "take advantage of each other", "manipulate each other", or "use each other" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "exploit one another"?

The phrase "exploit one another" is appropriate when discussing situations involving unfair power dynamics, manipulation, and the unethical use of others for personal gain. It is often used in discussions of social, economic, or political relationships.

Is "exploit one another" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "exploit one another" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's generally more common in analytical or critical discussions rather than casual conversation. The level of formality will also depend on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.