Exploitable
/ɪkˈsplɔɪ.tə.bəl/noun
Capable of being exploited or used for advantage, often unfairly.
Did you know?The core of this word comes from Latin *explicitare* / *explicare*, meaning to unfold or disentangle, so the “hidden knowledge” twist is that exploitation began as the act of opening something out before it became about taking advantage.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
explicitāre / explicāre
“to unfold, disentangle, explain”
Late Latin
Latin
exploītāre
“to use fully, work out, derive profit from”
Middle French
French
exploiter
“to use, utilize, carry out”
15th–16th Century
English
exploit
“a deed, achievement; later, to use for gain”
19th Century
English
exploitable
“capable of being exploited”
Explore more surprising origins