2 syllables: Ex, ploit. Stress on Ex.
EK-sployt
/ˈɛksˌplɔɪt/
Exploit is pronounced EK-sployt (/ˈɛksˌplɔɪt/). It has two syllables (Ex-ploit), with the stress on "Ex". Exploit (v) means to make full use of a resource or situation, often to derive benefit, sometimes at others’ expense. It can also refer to taking advantage of a flaw or vulnerability. In practice, you apply a strategic method to maximize outcomes, whether in tech, business, or daily problem-solving.
verbExploit (v) means to make full use of a resource or situation, often to derive benefit, sometimes at others’ expense. It can also refer to taking advantage of a flaw or vulnerability. In practice, you apply a strategic method to maximize outcomes, whether in tech, business, or daily problem-solving.
- You may misplace stress by unintentionally stressing the first syllable; always default to the second syllable (ek-SPLoit). - A common pitfall is mispronouncing the /ɔɪ/ as a simple /o:/; practice with clear diphthong articulation: /ɔɪ/ starts with /ɔ/ (open-mid back rounded) moving toward /ɪ/ (close front). - Another error is hyperlinking or emphasizing the /k/ too strongly, causing a rambling onset. Aim for a crisp /k/ followed by /s/ in /spl/ cluster and then glide into /ɔɪ/. Correction tips: use minimal pairs like “ploit” vs “ploit” to isolate the /spl/ and /ɔɪ/ transitions, practice with deliberate time on each segment, and record to ensure accuracy.
How to Pronounce Exploit
"We can exploit the new software to automate repetitive tasks."
"The hackers attempted to exploit a known vulnerability in the system."
"She learned to exploit her network to advance her career."
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ (US/UK/AU use same core). Stress on the second syllable (ploit). Start with a short /ɪ/ like in kit, then /k/ release, /s/ cluster, /plɔɪ/ as a rounded diphthong, and finish with /t/. Tip: avoid adding extra syllables; it’s two clear syllables: ek-SPL OYT.
Common mistakes include misplacing stress (e.g., /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ vs /ˈɛkˈsplɔɪt/), overpronouncing the second syllable, or turning /ɔɪ/ into a pure /o/ as in ‘plot.’ Another error is inserting an extra vowel or rebuilding the word as ‘eks-ploit’ with an extra vowel before the k. Correction: emphasize the second syllable: ek-SPLÓIT, keep /ɔɪ/ as the diphthong, and end with a clean /t/ without voicing. Practice with minimal pairs to lock the diphthong.
Across US/UK/AU, the core /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ remains, but vowel quality shifts subtly. US and AU tend to a more centralized /ɪ/ and a sharper /ɔɪ/ diphthong with stronger rounding, while UK may have a slightly more open /ɔɪ/ and crisper /t/. Rhoticity is not a major factor here; consonants remain similar, but intonation patterns diverge. Overall, the primary stress remains on the second syllable in all three.
The challenge lies in the /ɪk/ onset cluster and the /ɔɪ/ diphthong in the second syllable. Many speakers either insert extra vowels or mispronounce /spl/ as separate segments. Work on the transition from /k/ to /s/ (k-s cluster), and then smoothly into /ɔɪ/ before the final /t/. Keeping the /t/ unvoiced and crisp helps. Focus on limiting air leaks to prevent a rushed or muffled ending.
Note the stress pattern and the /ɔɪ/ diphthong. A unique tip is to say ‘ex’ quickly with a short /ɪ/ and then lean into the longer, rounded /ɔɪ/ in the second syllable, finishing with a sharp /t/. Visualize your mouth closing around /ɔɪ/ as you approach the final /t/. This helps avoid a trailing vowel or a softened ending.
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- US: Rhotic, but this word isn’t rhotic-specific; focus on the blackboard-like diphthong /ɔɪ/ and ensure a crisp unvoiced /t/. - UK: Slightly more clipped with a tighter /ɔɪ/ quality; avoid over-elongating the second vowel. Maintain precise /t/ closure. - AU: Similar to US but can feature a slightly broader vowel quality; keep /ɔɪ/ distinct and finish with a clear /t/. - General: Practice with IPA cues: /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/; experiment with mouth shapes: /ɪ/ (near-high front), /ɔɪ/ (open-mid back rounded to high front) and /t/ clean exit.
Exploit originates from the Old French explorer, which meant to take or seize, and the Latin explōtāre meaning to rob or plunder. It passed into English via the late 16th century with senses tied to seizing an opportunity or taking advantage of a resource. The modern sense of “to make use of” or “to take unfair advantage of” developed over time as technology and social norms shifted, particularly in business and military contexts. The word’s core idea centers on action upon an opportunity, but the connotations broadened to include both positive, strategic utilization and negative, manipulative exploitation. In many domains, from software to social interactions, ‘exploit’ marks a deliberate, often tactical action aimed at extracting value, advantage, or leverage. First known uses in English appeared around the 1590s, with popularization occurring in the 17th and 18th centuries, later aligning with concepts of loopholes, vulnerabilities, and strategic advantages across various fields.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Exploit" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Exploit" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Exploit"
-loy sounds
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