This article studies the exponential stability of switched systems with unstable subsystems. By using the multiple Lyapunov function (MLF) method combined with mode-dependent average dwell time (MDADT) techniques, less conservative exponential stability conditions are derived in terms of a set of solvable linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Compared to the existing results, unstable subsystems are considered based on MDADT in this paper. It is revealed that switched systems can be exponentially stable under slow switching schemes and also in the presence of fast switching of unstable subsystems. A numerical example and its simulations are also given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.