The word 'exit-reliant' is a modern English compound, formed from 'exit' (meaning 'a way out') and 'reliant' (meaning 'dependent on').

'Exit' comes from Latin 'exitus' meaning 'a going out', and 'reliant' comes from French 'reliant', present participle of 'relier' meaning 'to bind together'. The compound 'exit-reliant' is a recent formation in English, used in business and investment contexts.

Initially, the components meant 'dependent on a way out', and the compound now refers specifically to situations or entities that require or depend on an exit strategy.