utilize vs exploit

Both 'utilize' and 'exploit' are correct, but they have different connotations and are used in different contexts. 'Utilize' is more formal and means to make use of something effectively, often in a practical way. 'Exploit' can have a negative connotation, implying the unfair or selfish use of something for personal gain.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1484 views

The word 'utilize' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

"utilize"

It means to make practical or effective use of something. 'Utilize' is often used in formal writing or professional settings.

Examples:

We can utilize this new technology to improve efficiency.
The company plans to utilize its resources more effectively.

Show examples from the web [+]

Permit to utilize timber from reforestation areas
I... I thought we could possibly utilize her fighting skills.
The force has decided to utilize all its strength to crack down.
He taught various classes on how to best utilize our software.
The cells in their bodies were unable to utilize oxygen.
Has no idea how to fully utilize CPU architecture, I agree.
It is therefore uncertain to what extent these companies can fully utilize their production capacity.
It can utilize up to 12 skins.
We can utilize the Cardinal's death to our advantage.
I understand your frustration, Lieutenant, but we cannot utilize aircraft in these conditions.
It has a central encryption you have to crack to utilize the system.
I suppose, once we steal the ZPM, I could utilize its power.
Please don't force me to remind you that I do have discretionary power to utilize the Daedalus...
Arm transport police with tasers, ... Increasing the number of officers qualified to utilize firearms...
Just trying to figure out the best way to utilize everyone's talents.
Every one of them understood the problem that they were facing, and replaced the defective lactase-enzyme with a functioning one to utilize lactose for food.
Apparently, you did not know that the chef's salad is kitchen trickery, to utilize scrap meat.
Firstly, I fail to see why each and every human on the planet must utilize a motor vehicle.
You're teaching refined skills that guys like us can utilize for weeks, most likely days.

Alternatives:

use
employ
apply
take advantage of
make use of

The word 'exploit' is correct but has a different connotation than 'utilize'. It can imply taking unfair advantage of something for personal gain.

"exploit"

'Exploit' means to make full use of and derive benefit from something, often in a way that is unfair or unethical.

Examples:

He exploited the situation to get a promotion.
The company was accused of exploiting its workers for profit.

Show examples from the web [+]

Please don't exploit our friendship.
The Narn government can't exploit a world that far away.
We must exploit the faith in the Ark for our ends.
Only later can we exploit the flaws politically.
Ruthless mercenaries conspire with the Separatists to disrupt and exploit the unstable situation within the Republic.
The promotion of eco-innovation, which includes innovative clean technologies, can help exploit their potential.
We must exploit knowledge to promote growth.
Learning methods should better exploit children's natural curiosity in mathematics and science from an early age.
Promotional activities shall seek to establish links between higher education and research, and exploit whenever possible potential synergies.
Logistic efficiency is a tool to reinforce and exploit the positive synergies between environmental protection and competitiveness.
If that's true, it's a connection we could exploit.
Carry on letting these "men of honour" exploit you.
A strong and healthy manufacturing sector is essential to fully exploit EU's potential.
There are other avenues of technology that criminals can exploit.
Let us exploit what materials we can.
He used his position to slaughter his rivals, exploit the less fortunate, take over.
The event was organized last-minute, creating vulnerabilities we can exploit if we work together.
I'm sure she's got plenty of subjective emotions we can exploit.
There's a weakness in women which we must exploit to the advantage of business.
He's got a vulnerability you can exploit.

Alternatives:

take advantage of
make use of
capitalize on
benefit from
milk

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utilize vs exploit

"utilize"

"exploit"

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