English · Word Candidate

exploit

/ˈɛksplɔɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: exploits · exploiting · exploited

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A heroic or extraordinary deed.

Noun

Hieronimo, it greatly pleaſeth vs, / That in our victorie thou haue a ſhare, / By vertue of thy vvorthy Sonnes exployt.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An achievement.

Noun

The first trek to the summit of Mount Everest was a stunning exploit.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To use (something) to someone's advantage, such as one's own benefit or a society's benefit.

Verb

to exploit natural resources in a sustainable way

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To make unfair use of someone else's labor, person, or property to one's own advantage.

Verb

Materialistic people who exploit others will come to a bad end.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “exploit” mean?

A heroic or extraordinary deed.

Is “exploit” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.