exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is taken advantage of, often in a negative or unethical manner. Example: "The workers felt that they were being exploited by their employer, who paid them very little for long hours of labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

18.7 million, or 90%, of people in forced labour are part of the private economy, exploited by individuals or enterprises.

The Guardian

But Osborne always suspected that Balls's record under Brown could be exploited.

The Guardian

Ekins said if governments approved new fossil fuel production, they should be asked what resources elsewhere would not be exploited.

The Guardian

Here, his genius is exploited for a nauseating propaganda purpose – "but he could not do otherwise," recalls Anka.

The Guardian - Music

Avoid debate of key British foreign policy issues that might be exploited by terrorists: farewell to defending international law enshrining the right to resist colonialism and foreign military occupation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fourteen per cent of respondents said they felt they were being exploited and just under a quarter of respondents said they did not feel able to leave sex work, Sanders added.

The Guardian

This is something the anonymous creator of Kindle Cover Disasters has exploited to great effect.

The Guardian - Books

One of the most competitive awards seasons in living memory saw the critically loved film pick up Oscar nods just for cinematography and sound mixing, hardly categories that could be exploited in marketing messaging.

The Guardian - Film

The modern slavery bill provides an opportunity to expand the GLA's remit and resources so that it can start to reach the workers we know are exploited all around us, in factories, construction sites and care homes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pop performers – male and female – are often exploited by managers and record companies, but I don't believe that Cyrus is being forced to twerk by her handlers.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a day of Labour unease about the scale, cost and grandeur of her funeral, as well as fears it was being exploited for contemporary Tory political gain, Chartres's subtle defence of her ideology, as well as its focus on her as an individual, drew wide-ranging praise from Tory MPs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploited", consider the ethical implications. Ensure your writing clearly conveys the negative consequences of the exploitation.

Common error

Avoid using "exploited" when simply referring to the use of a resource. "Exploited" implies unfair or unethical advantage. Instead, use terms like "utilized" or "employed" if no injustice is involved.

Linguistic Context

The word "exploited" primarily functions as a past participle or past tense verb. It indicates that someone or something has been unfairly or unethically taken advantage of, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "exploited" is a versatile term, functioning primarily as a past participle or past tense verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it carries a strong negative connotation, denoting unfair or unethical use for someone else's gain. Its frequent occurrence in news and opinion pieces underscores its relevance in discussions of social justice, resource management, and ethical practices. Remember to reserve "exploited" for scenarios where there's a clear element of injustice; otherwise, opt for neutral terms like "used" or "utilized". Be clear about expressing the scope of exploitation to ensure your message is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taken advantage of

Emphasizes the unfair treatment or manipulation involved.

utilized unfairly

Highlights the unjust manner in which something was used.

used to excess

Focuses on the over-consumption or depletion of a resource.

mistreated

Shifts the focus to the negative impact on the individual or entity being exploited.

abused

Suggests a more severe form of exploitation, often involving harm or violation.

profited from

Highlights the gain or benefit derived from the exploitation.

capitalized on

Emphasizes the strategic use of a situation for personal gain.

manipulated

Focuses on the skillful or cunning control exerted to achieve exploitation.

leveraged

Suggests the use of something to gain an advantage, often implying a calculated approach.

milked

Implies extracting as much value as possible from something, often to the point of exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "exploited" in a sentence?

You can use "exploited" to describe situations where someone or something is unfairly used for another's benefit. For example, "The workers felt they were being "exploited" by their employer".

What are some alternatives to using the word "exploited"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "taken advantage of", "mistreated", or "utilized unfairly".

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

"Used" is a neutral term simply meaning something was employed for a purpose. "Exploited", on the other hand, implies an unfair or unethical use, often involving harm or injustice.

Is it always negative to say something has been "exploited"?

Yes, the term "exploited" carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something has been unfairly or unethically used for someone's gain, often at the expense of something or someone else.