noun (n)

• the act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful(noun.act)

  Example:
  The exploitation of copper deposits.
  

  Synonym:
  development
  

  source: wordnet30
• an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)(noun.act)

  Example:
  Capitalistic exploitation of the working class.
  

  Synonym:
  using, victimisation, victimization
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of exploiting or utilizing.(noun)

  source: webster1913