was exploited

USAGE SUMMARY

"was exploited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone took advantage of a situation or a person in an unfair way. For example, "The vulnerable woman was exploited by the money-lender."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even their exploitation, seemingly, was exploited, in books like "The Dionne Legend: Quintuplets in Captivity".

The New York Times

He was exploited".

The Guardian

And then, that was exploited.

The New York Times

"With each job, I was exploited more.

The New York Times

Their multifaceted potential was exploited by publishers.

The Guardian - Books

An E. coli expression system was exploited.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

The bad news was exploited by her new acquaintances.

The Guardian

Whether she was exploited was a harder question.

The Economist

This second route was exploited in a special way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Even then, Mes Aynak was exploited for its copper).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This property was exploited to map the HA epitope targeted by 5F8.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was exploited", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was exploited and who or what did the exploiting. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was exploited" in passive constructions where the agent (the one doing the exploiting) is unclear. This can weaken your statement. Instead, specify who did the exploiting to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was exploited" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of an action – in this case, exploitation. Ludwig confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was exploited" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that carries a negative connotation. According to Ludwig, it suggests unfair usage or manipulation for someone else's advantage. It is commonly found in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, with a neutral to professional tone. The key to effective use lies in clearly identifying the subject and agent of the exploitation, avoiding ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "was taken advantage of" or "was manipulated" to fine-tune your message. "Was exploited" has multiple examples from Ludwig, which confirms its accuracy and utility in diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was taken advantage of

Focuses on the act of someone benefiting unfairly at another's expense.

was used unfairly

Highlights the injustice in the way someone or something was utilized.

was manipulated

Emphasizes the control and influence exerted to exploit someone.

was capitalized on

Indicates that a situation or opportunity was used for personal gain, often implying opportunism.

was abused

Implies a more severe form of exploitation, often involving harm or mistreatment.

was bled dry

Suggests that resources or energy were excessively and exhaustively extracted.

was milked

Focuses on extracting value or benefit continuously, sometimes to a point of depletion.

was preyed upon

Highlights the vulnerability of the person or thing being exploited.

was profited from

Emphasizes the gain or benefit obtained through exploiting someone or something.

was made use of

More general, indicates simple utilization of something or someone with the absence of the unfair connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "was exploited" to indicate that someone or something was unfairly used for another's advantage. For example, "The workers "were exploited" by the company's unfair labor practices".

What are some alternatives to using "was exploited"?

Alternatives include "was taken advantage of", "was used unfairly", or "was manipulated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "was exploited"?

It means that something or someone was used in an unfair or selfish way, typically for profit or personal gain. This often implies a power imbalance where the exploited party is vulnerable.

Is it always negative to say something "was exploited"?

Yes, the phrase generally carries a negative connotation, implying unethical or unfair use. However, it can be used neutrally in technical contexts, such as discussing how a software vulnerability "was exploited" by hackers.