What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hacking
Example
The company's website was hacked by cybercriminals. [hacked: past tense]
Example
He is an expert in hacking and can identify vulnerabilities in any system. [hacking: gerund or present participle]
exploit
Example
The hacker exploited a security flaw in the system to gain access to sensitive information. [exploited: past tense]
Example
He used an exploit to bypass the system's security measures. [exploit: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hacking is more commonly used than exploiting in everyday language, especially in the context of cybersecurity. Hacking has become a popular term due to media coverage of high-profile cyber attacks. Exploiting is less common and is mostly used in technical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hacking and exploit?
Hacking is generally associated with a more informal tone, while exploiting is more formal and technical in nature. Hacking can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while exploiting is mostly used in technical or legal contexts.
