CEFR B2

exploited

adjective / verb (past participle)

Meaning

Treated unfairly by using someone's labor or resources for one's own benefit without providing fair compensation or respect.

Examples

  • The vulnerable immigrants were exploited by unscrupulous employers who ignored safety regulations.
  • Many historical colonies were exploited for their natural resources rather than being developed for the local population.

Synonyms: used, abused, manipulated, victimized