What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exploited
Example
The company exploited its workers by paying them low wages. [exploited: verb]
Example
The natural resources were exploited for commercial gain. [exploited: past participle]
misused
Example
He misused the company's funds for personal expenses. [misused: verb]
Example
The medicine was misused and caused harm to the patient. [misused: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misused is more commonly used than exploited in everyday language. Misused is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of situations, while exploited is more specific to situations where someone is taken advantage of for personal gain.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between exploited and misused?
Both exploited and misused are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal or academic writing.
