What does targeting mean?
Targeting is the act of choosing a particular person, group, object, problem, or outcome as the focus of action, communication, or resources. It is common in campaigns, military operations, research, criticism, and problem-solving: a message may target a specific audience, while investigators target a suspected source and a government may target regional inequality. The word often implies greater deliberateness and precision than a general word such as aiming, because the intended focus has been selected in advance. In business and political contexts, targeting can sound efficient and strategic, especially when it concerns reaching consumers or allocating resources. When applied to people singled out for criticism or hostility, however, it can carry a threatening or prejudicial implication. Grammatically, targeting is the -ing form of the verb target and can function as a gerund or as a modifier before a noun, as in “targeting strategy.”
verbSelecting someone or something as the object of action, attention, communication, or criticism. It can also mean directing resources or efforts toward a particular person, group, problem, or outcome.
- Aiming action or attention at a particular person, object, group, or problem.
- Directing communication, resources, or efforts toward a chosen audience or objective.
- Singling out someone as the subject of criticism, scrutiny, or hostile attention.
"The campaign is targeting first-time voters in several key districts."
"The investigators are targeting several online accounts believed to be connected."
"The revised budget is targeting the problems that affect low-income households most severely."
From literal bull's-eyes to advertising campaigns, targeting is the art of deciding exactly who or what to hit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does targeting come from?
Targeting is formed by adding the standard English -ing inflection to target. The noun target developed during the Middle English period and is commonly traced to Old French targe, meaning “shield,” with the verb meaning “aim at” arising later from that concrete military context. The related targe survives as an archaic word for a shield, while targed is a rare derived form associated with bearing or being provided with one.
Related word forms
How targeting is actually used
Targeting is the present participle and gerund of target and is common in military, political, commercial, and academic contexts. It generally conveys deliberate and focused action; when directed at a person or group, it can also imply unwanted scrutiny or hostility.
Easily confused with targeting
Targeted describes an already defined focus, as in a targeted campaign, whereas targeting emphasizes the activity of choosing or directing something toward that focus.