social engineering

noun

1

: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science

2

: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly

The previously noted trend of switching from social engineering to hacking methods in attacks on organizations strengthened …

—San Fernando Valley (California) Business Journal

social engineer noun

plural social engineers

Examples of social engineering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These technologies allow cybercriminals to personalize social engineering attempts and rapidly adapt their tactics, making traditional defenses less effective. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Identity theft is unlikely, a social engineering attack is a possibility. —Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025

He's also uprooted what the GOP has long decried as social engineering by liberals, reflected recently by programs known as DEI (for diversity, equity and inclusion) − now banned in the federal government. —Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025

Nearly all secure platforms can be overcome by some form of social engineering. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social engineering

• bioengineering
• adhering
• appearing
• careering
• cohering
• endearing
• inhering
• prehearing
• rehearing
• veneering
• cheering
• clearing

Kids Definition

social engineering

noun

1

: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science

2

: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly