noun
profiling
noun
1
The process of building up a detailed picture of someone's likely characteristics, often used in criminal investigations.
"Offender profiling helped narrow down the suspect list."
2
The unfair practice of judging or targeting people based on characteristics like race rather than actual behavior.
"Civil rights groups criticized the department for racial profiling."
How to Use Profiling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBuilding a picture of someone based on patterns — sometimes a legitimate investigative tool, sometimes an unfair and discriminatory practice.
Common mistake
Context matters a lot: "criminal profiling" (a technique) is very different in tone from "racial profiling" (a form of discrimination).
Common pairings
racial profiling
criminal profiling
data profiling
Word Forms
profilings plural
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Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Offender _____ helped narrow down the suspect list.