Meaning 1neutral · 82%
To use a person unfairly for your own benefit while disregarding their interests or needs.
Natural examples
Seine Kollegen nutzen ihn als unbezahlten Helfer aus.
His colleagues exploit him as an unpaid helper.
Lass dich nicht ständig von deinem Mitbewohner ausnutzen.
Don’t let your roommate keep taking advantage of you.
Hat er seine hilfsbereite Nachbarin ausgenutzt?
Did he take advantage of his helpful neighbor?
Usage note
The exploited person takes the accusative: jemanden ausnutzen. This person sense is negative; ausnützen is also a standard variant.
Mini-lesson: ausnutzen
To use a person unfairly for your own benefit while disregarding their interests or needs. The exploited person takes the accusative: jemanden ausnutzen. This person sense is negative; ausnützen is also a standard variant.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «ausnutzen»?