Exploitable

/ɪkˈsplɔɪtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being used or taken advantage of, especially in a way that benefits one person at the expense of another.

Etymology

From 'exploit' (from Latin 'explicare' to unfold, then Old French 'exploiter' to work/use) + English '-able' (capable of). The meaning shifted from 'workable' to 'usable for profit'.

Kelly Says

Workers' rights movements were built on recognizing that people are 'exploitable'—once that word was commonly used, it became a rallying cry for labor reform, as saying someone is exploitable implies they *shouldn't* be.

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