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

Among the allegations will be unlawful policing, racial profiling, human rights violations, excessive force, and unlawful arrest. —ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025

These programs foster racial profiling, undermine trust in local enforcement and make people afraid to report crimes. —Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Boots has filled the shop floor with fragrance specialists who’ve been given advanced training on scent profiling and matching. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025

The deployment has also raised concerns about racial profiling, wrongful arrests, and political pressure on law enforcement to align with federal immigration crackdowns. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 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