racketeering

American  

[rak-i-teer-ing] / ˌræk ɪˈtɪər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of conducting or engaging in a racket, as extortion or bootlegging.

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Other Word Forms

• antiracketeering
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of racketeering

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; racketeer + -ing ¹

Explanation

Someone who's guilty of racketeering has been participating in something illegal, most likely organized crime or criminal business dealings. You can use the noun racket to describe an illegal scheme or plan, and racketeering to mean the act of running or engaging in a racket. The word comes up most often when someone is being accused or arrested or convicted of this type of criminal activity. The root of both racket and racketeering is probably racquet, with its connection to the idea of a game.

Example Sentences

Earlier in his career, he gained fame as the fearless Mafia-busting prosecutor whose aggressive use of racketeering laws brought down New York's organized crime families.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Uber and the American Transit Insurance Co., which covers most taxi and ride-share drivers, have filed racketeering lawsuits that make similar claims against other defendants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

The DOJ shut down over 60 union corruption and labor racketeering cases, 2.5 times the number in Trump’s first term.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

After serving about 16 years in federal prison for racketeering, Villalba ended up living in a collection of tents along the railroad tracks that run beneath the 91 Freeway.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

They were mostly in for white-collar crimes, money schemes, fraud and racketeering.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah