it was exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something was taken advantage of or used for a purpose, often in a negative context. Example: "The vulnerabilities in the software were discovered and it was exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In this study, it was exploited as a ligand for effective brain-targeting gene delivery.

Biomaterials

Foreign oil experts believe Myanmar's fields could be on a par with Britain's North Sea before it was exploited, or Brazil's reserves now.

The Economist

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Nov. 8 — How much has the Giants' defense changed since it was exploited by the Dallas Cowboys in a 45-35 season-opening loss?

The New York Times - Sports

It was exploited with telling material and psychological effect by German Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive bombers during the Spanish Civil War and early in World War II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This method of removing chromatic aberration was discovered in 1729 by Chester Hall, an English inventor, and it was exploited vigorously in the late 18th century in numerous small telescopes.

Britannica

But it was exploited by self-publicists such as the Harvard professor and drug proponent Timothy Leary, who embraced it under the slogan "turn on, tune in, drop out".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This wasn't just boasting: it was exploiting his unique position to the maximum.

The New Yorker

Valeant has denied the suggestion that it was exploiting the new law.

The New York Times - Health

But the party denied it was exploiting the occasion to canvas for votes ahead of next year's elections.

BBC

No political party can afford to concede that it was exploiting a near war for electoral gains.

BBC

Trevelyan nonetheless argued, "The film gave the impression that it was exploiting violence, and in particular, sadism for commercial reasons".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was exploited", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what did the exploiting and who or what was exploited, to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your point.

Common error

Be specific about what "it" refers to. Vague pronoun references can weaken your writing. Instead of saying "it was exploited", clarify the subject: "the loophole was exploited" or "the workers were exploited".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exploited" functions as a passive construction, indicating that 'it' (the subject) was the recipient of an action (exploitation). Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was exploited" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express that something has been unfairly or excessively used, often to someone's advantage. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, its use implies a negative situation. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. Alternatives include "it was taken advantage of" and "it was capitalized on", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was taken advantage of

Replaces "exploited" with a more explicit phrase indicating unfair usage.

it was capitalized on

Indicates that an opportunity was used, sometimes with a negative connotation.

it was used to excess

Focuses on the over-usage aspect of exploitation.

it was milked

Suggests extracting as much as possible, often resource-related.

it was abused

Highlights the negative treatment and potential harm.

it was leveraged

Implies use for strategic advantage, though not necessarily negatively.

it was profited from

Focuses on the gain derived, potentially through unfair means.

it was employed

Suggests utilization, which could be neutral or hint at calculated use.

it was drawn on

Implies relying on something, which might lead to depletion.

it was made use of

A more general term indicating utilization, can imply overuse in context.

FAQs

What's a less negative way to say "it was exploited"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was utilized" or "it was leveraged" if you want to avoid the negative connotation of taking unfair advantage.

How can I use "it was exploited" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where something was unfairly used for someone's advantage. For example: "The system had a flaw, and "it was exploited" by hackers."

What's the difference between "it was used" and "it was exploited"?

"It was used" is a neutral statement indicating something was put to service. "It was exploited" implies that something was used unfairly or to an excessive degree, often to the detriment of something or someone else.

Is "it was exploited" always negative?

Yes, the phrase ""it was exploited"" typically carries a negative connotation. It suggests that something was unfairly or selfishly used to benefit someone, often at the expense of something else.