covert objective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covert objective" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a hidden or secret goal or aim in various contexts, such as military, business, or personal strategies. For example: "The team's covert objective was to gather intelligence without being detected." Alternative expressions include "hidden goal" and "secret aim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet it is the overt and covert objective of all communicators, which journalists are and academics often are not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The problem is that typically — not always, but typically — there is no way that the covert action will be able to deliver on a President's policy objective, in this case prevent North Korea from developing the capability of putting a U.S. city at risk of nuclear attack.

The New Yorker

We first established objective thresholds of the critical temporal parameters for overt and covert presentations of fear and disgust.

NeuroImage

The ultimate objective of a PPS is to prevent the accomplishment of overt or covert malevolent actions and these objectives are accomplished by either deterrence or a combination of detection, delay, and response.

Design and Evaluation of Physical Protection Systems

The Court found that there was a "perfectly rational nexus between entrapment operations and the socially desirable and laudable objective of containing the drug trade" as convicting state agents who carried out covert operations would result in illicit drug suppliers prospering and flourishing while enforcement agencies would "wither and perish".

Wikipedia

The order also leaves the C.I.A. in charge of carrying out covert action overseas, "unless the president determines that another agency is more likely to achieve a particular objective".

The New York Times

In addition, it funds an informal worldwide U.S. empire of usually wealthy alliance partners that the United States has pledged to protect, profligate military and covert interventions into other nations business, and a global network of hundreds of American military bases to facilitate such objectives.

Huffington Post

Stop your covert activities.

The New Yorker

Probably some covert rat fan.

The New Yorker

"No Covert".

The New Yorker

They deliver covert plot points.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with clinical or analytical verbs like "detect", "identify", "execute" or "neutralize" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "covert objective" when the goal is actually public or transparent. Writers sometimes use 'covert' as a synonym for 'complex', but they are distinct; a complex goal can still be overt (visible). Ensure the element of secrecy is present before choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

In the analysis provided by Ludwig, "covert objective" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'covert' modifies the noun 'objective'. It is used to specify a particular type of goal that is kept secret or hidden from public view.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covert objective" is a precise and formally accepted phrase used to describe hidden goals or secret aims. According to Ludwig AI and the provided data, it is most frequently utilized in the realms of politics, military intelligence and cognitive science. While its occurrence in general language might be categorized as rare, its presence in high-authority sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker validates its utility in professional writing. When using this phrase, writers should ensure that the context truly involves concealment or secrecy, as seen in various Ludwig examples ranging from CIA operations to psychological state assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden agenda

Often carries a more negative or suspicious connotation regarding a person's motives.

secret goal

A simpler, more direct alternative suitable for informal or general contexts.

clandestine intention

Significantly more formal, often used in intelligence or legal documentation.

ulterior motive

Specifically refers to a hidden reason for doing something that is usually selfish.

concealed purpose

Emphasizes the act of hiding the reason for an action rather than the secret nature of the goal itself.

undercover mission

Narrower in scope, focusing on an active operation or task rather than a broad aim.

veiled ambition

Focuses on personal desire or drive that is not openly expressed.

surreptitious plan

Suggests a plan made by stealth or kept secret because it would not be approved of.

stealthy aim

Connotes a tactical or cautious approach to achieving a target.

unstated target

Implies a goal that is simply not mentioned rather than actively hidden through deception.

FAQs

How to use "covert objective" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a hidden aim, for example: "The intelligence agency's "covert objective" was to destabilize the regime without leaving a trace."

What can I say instead of "covert objective"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "hidden agenda", "secret goal" or "clandestine intention".

Which is more formal: "hidden goal" or "covert objective"?

The phrase ""covert objective"" is more formal and technical, making it better suited for academic, political or military reporting than "hidden goal".

Is "covert objective" synonymous with "ulterior motive"?

Not exactly; while both involve hidden aims, an "ulterior motive" usually implies a selfish or deceptive personal reason, while "covert objective" is often used for organizational or strategic goals.