infiltration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "infiltration" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the surreptitious entrance of a person or group into a place or situation. For example, "The spy was known for her successful infiltrations into enemy camps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, the coalition's education policy increases the risk of infiltration and radicalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since then, apart from a few days of relative quiet in April when a ceasefire partially held, Syria has seen a huge influx of arms to the rebels, growing involvement by foreign special forces, and the infiltration of al-Qaida jihadis and other Salafists.

The Guardian - Opinion

The row over the unmasking of undercover police officer Mark Kennedy reached Europe today as a German politician demanded the Bundestag parliament reveal what the authorities knew about Kennedy's infiltration of Berlin's protest movement.

The Guardian

Then there are the more serious activities used primarily when big-money commercial interests are threatened, such as the infiltration of opposition groups, otherwise known as spying.

The Guardian

I am interested to hear of any more information about this infiltration if you wish to get in touch.

The Guardian

They have been one of the most common targets of the infiltration operation by undercover police officers that has been running since 1968.

The Guardian

A Green party councillor in London quite rightly pointed out this week that it was disgraceful that the police treated the environmentalists as if were they were dangerous terrorists worthy of infiltration.

The Guardian

While there has been some evidence of Garda infiltration of dissident groups in the Irish republic, their counterparts in Northern Ireland are currently suffering from an "intelligence gap".

The Guardian

They included Zimbabwean politician Morgan Tsvangirai, UN official Arie Hoekman, South African lawyer Albie Sachs (alleged to be masterminding the homosexual infiltration of the Kenyan judiciary), and an unnamed Swedish "homosexual doctor" who was claimed to abuse his patients as a prelude to performing their sex change operations.

The Guardian

It opened up Croke Park to the "foreign games" of rugby and soccer whose infiltration of 19th-century Ireland it was founded to oppose.

The Guardian

Victory in Jaffna could lead to greater Tiger infiltration of Tamil Nadu and the stirring of latent separatism there.India has strong reasons to back Mrs Kumaratunga's efforts to keep Sri Lanka whole, but equally strong reasons to be wary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about espionage or political intrigue, use "infiltration" to convey the idea of a subtle, covert entry into an organization or system. For example, "The agent's successful infiltration of the enemy headquarters provided valuable intelligence."

Common error

Avoid using "infiltration" when you mean "influence". "Infiltration" refers to a physical or figurative entry, whereas "influence" describes the power to affect someone or something. For instance, a lobbyist exerts influence, not necessarily infiltration.

Linguistic Context

The word "infiltration" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the act of entering a place or organization secretly, or the substance that has entered. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing many examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infiltration" is a commonly used noun that describes the act of secretly entering a place or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, mainly within news and media, with neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that "infiltration" implies a covert entry, distinct from influence or intrusion. The word is primarily used in news and media as well as formal business settings, emphasizing its role in describing political, military, and organizational strategies. Ludwig's examples showcase how "infiltration" helps to describe a clandestine process, be it physical or digital.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

penetration

Focuses on the act of entering or piercing through something, often implying a forceful entry.

intrusion

Emphasizes the unwelcome or disruptive nature of the entry.

invasion

Suggests a large-scale, hostile entry, often by a military force.

encroachment

Highlights the gradual and subtle nature of the entry, often onto someone else's property or rights.

seepage

Refers to a slow and gradual flow or leakage into something.

percolation

Describes the slow filtering or passing of a liquid or gas through a porous material.

undermining

Focuses on the weakening or destabilizing effect of a secret or gradual entry.

subversion

Implies a deliberate attempt to overthrow or corrupt something from within.

secret entry

Highlights the clandestine nature of the act of entering.

covert operation

Describes a secret or disguised military or political action.

FAQs

How is "infiltration" commonly used in a sentence?

"Infiltration" typically describes a secret or gradual entry. For example, "The activist group protested the "corporate infiltration" of local politics."

What are some synonyms for "infiltration"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "penetration", "intrusion", or "invasion". Each word carries a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "infiltration" and "intrusion"?

"Infiltration" often implies a more subtle and strategic entry, whereas "intrusion" suggests a more forceful or unwelcome entry. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.

How does "infiltration" differ from "permeation"?

"Infiltration" often implies a deliberate entry into a specific area or organization, while "permeation" suggests a more passive and widespread spread or influence.