nefarious agenda

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nefarious agenda" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or malicious plan or intention, often in a negative context. Example: "The politician was accused of having a nefarious agenda that aimed to undermine public trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Well, now we know: he's the living embodiment of our darkest imaginings, with a nefarious agenda and Grandpa Jim's nose.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it is easier to believe that all those people are lying – that they have some ulterior motive, some nefarious agenda – than it is to believe how many other humans must be capable of such atrocity.

The Guardian - Opinion

No doubt many of them sincerely believe that the end (upping the chances of defeating Obama and his nefarious agenda of turning America into a socialist hellhole like Western Europe) justifies the means (deepening the extent of mass unemployment, human suffering, and ancillary damage to the economy and to society).

The New Yorker

I didn't make this up, nor does reminding the public equate to a nefarious agenda.

Huffington Post

I endured expensive surgeries, not covered by insurance, because I knew I would have the chance to pursue my nefarious agenda.

Huffington Post

Any relevant critique I make is either dismissed because I once wrote an article on Rand Paul, or because I must have a nefarious agenda, according to certain detractors.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Netrunner is an asymmetric game, where one player takes the role of a megacorporation intent on advancing nefarious agendas, and the other a plucky hacker, attempting to steal these plans before they can be brought to fruition.

The Guardian - Tech

I also cautioned them about politicians' use of religious verses to further political and possibly nefarious agendas.

Huffington Post

Ideologues with ulterior motives and nefarious agendas exist who seek to distort their tradition's teachings and incentivize terror.

Huffington Post

There are many nefarious agendas driving the global warming controversy, none of them have anything to do with 'saving' the planet".

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, Donald Trump appeared to accuse Obama of harbouring a nefarious secret agenda on national security, linking the president to the mass shooting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nefarious agenda" when you want to emphasize the malicious and often hidden nature of a plan. It adds a layer of sophistication and negativity beyond a simple 'bad plan'.

Common error

Avoid using "nefarious agenda" in everyday conversations. Its formal and somewhat dramatic tone is better suited for formal writing or serious discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nefarious agenda" functions as a noun phrase where "nefarious" (adjective) modifies "agenda" (noun). As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a plan or intention, often in a negative context. It is frequently employed to attribute a morally wrong or sinister purpose to someone's actions or goals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nefarious agenda" is a phrase used to describe a hidden and malicious plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not an everyday expression, it is commonly found in news and media contexts to express disapproval or suspicion about someone's intentions. When using this phrase, be mindful of its formal tone and ensure it fits the overall context of your writing. Consider alternatives like "malicious scheme" or "evil plot" if a less formal tone is desired. The presence of this phrase across authoritative sources highlights its established place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious scheme

Replaces 'agenda' with 'scheme', emphasizing the deceitful planning aspect.

evil plot

Substitutes both words to highlight the immorality and secrecy involved.

wicked plan

Similar to 'evil plot', but with a slightly less intense connotation of malevolence.

sinister motive

Focuses on the underlying reason ('motive') being dark and threatening ('sinister').

ulterior design

Highlights a hidden purpose ('ulterior') in the plan ('design').

treacherous intent

Emphasizes the deceptive and unreliable nature of the intention.

devious strategy

Focuses on the underhanded tactics ('devious') used in the plan ('strategy').

scheming behavior

Shifts from a plan to the observable actions of scheming.

conniving ploy

Highlights the manipulative and cunning nature of the plan.

corrupt enterprise

Describes the entire undertaking as morally depraved and dishonest.

FAQs

How can I use "nefarious agenda" in a sentence?

You can use "nefarious agenda" to describe a hidden and malicious plan. For example, "The politician was accused of having a nefarious agenda to undermine public trust".

What are some alternatives to "nefarious agenda"?

You can use alternatives like "malicious scheme", "evil plot", or "sinister motive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nefarious agenda" a formal or informal expression?

"Nefarious agenda" is a relatively formal expression. It is more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions than for casual conversation.

What distinguishes "nefarious agenda" from a regular bad plan?

"Nefarious agenda" implies not just a bad plan but one that is inherently malicious, often hidden, and intended to cause harm or exploit others. It suggests a calculated and morally corrupt scheme.