profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ 

: the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies

consumer profiling

specifically : the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior

racial profiling

Examples of profiling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Latinos expressed fear of profiling and violence. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025

But enlisting local law enforcement agents to identify undocumented immigrants has, in the past, led to racial profiling and the removal of suspects who were charged with – but not convicted of – crimes, Graber said. —Rick Jervis, USA Today, 22 Nov. 2025

According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, due to advancements in DNA profiling technology. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

Among concerns were diversion of resources, an erosion of trust in the community, racial profiling and potential litigation costs, the group's news release says. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for profiling

• beguiling
• compiling
• refiling
• reviling
• stockpiling
• unsmiling
• filing
• piling
• smiling
• styling
• tiling
• reconciling

Legal Definition

profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing

: the practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics

specifically : the discriminatory practice of profiling based on race or ethnicity

racial profiling