hidden agenda: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, journalistic, business, political, academic (critical discourse). Often used pejoratively.
Quick answer
What does “hidden agenda” mean?
A secret or ulterior motive, purpose, or plan that a person or group has, which they do not openly admit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secret or ulterior motive, purpose, or plan that a person or group has, which they do not openly admit.
An underlying intention, often considered deceptive or manipulative, that influences actions or policies but is not part of the declared or official purpose.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally common and carries identical connotations in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying dishonesty, manipulation, or a lack of transparency.
Frequency
High frequency in political, media, and business discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hidden agenda” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] + have + a hidden agenda[Action/Policy] + betrays/suggests/reveals + a hidden agendaThere is + a suspicion/accusation + of a hidden agendaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hidden agenda” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of hidden-agenda-ing his way through the negotiations.
- They suspected the company was hidden-agenda-ing behind the charitable donation.
American English
- The lobbyist was accused of hidden-agenda-ing his clients' interests into the bill.
- Politicians are often accused of hidden-agenda-ing during campaign seasons.
adverb
British English
- He acted hidden-agenda-ly, never revealing his true goal.
- The policy was pushed through hidden-agenda-ly.
American English
- The proposal was presented hidden-agenda-ly to avoid early opposition.
- She operated hidden-agenda-ly within the committee.
adjective
British English
- The meeting had a hidden-agenda feel from the very start.
- He gave a hidden-agenda smile that made her uneasy.
American English
- It was a classic hidden-agenda political move.
- She was tired of his hidden-agenda behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The merger proposal was rejected by the board, who suspected a hidden agenda to downsize the workforce.'
Academic
'The critic analysed the text for a hidden agenda of cultural hegemony.'
Everyday
'Why is he being so nice all of a sudden? I think he has a hidden agenda.'
Technical
Not typically used in hard sciences; more common in social sciences, politics, and critical theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hidden agenda”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hidden agenda”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hidden agenda”
- Using it to describe one's own honest but unspoken plans (incorrect, as it implies deception).
- Confusing with 'alternative agenda' (which may be open but different).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Extremely rarely. Its core semantic feature is concealed intention, which is almost always viewed with suspicion. In very limited contexts (e.g., planning a surprise party), it might be used neutrally, but the default connotation is negative.
A 'priority' is an openly acknowledged order of importance. A 'hidden agenda' is a secret motive. If you keep your true priorities secret to manipulate a situation, that could be a hidden agenda.
No, this is a tautology (redundancy). The word 'hidden' is intrinsic to the meaning of 'agenda' in this phrase. You can say a 'secret hidden agenda', but it is stylistically weak.
Yes, the phrase is commonly applied to groups, organisations, corporations, and governments as well as individuals.
A secret or ulterior motive, purpose, or plan that a person or group has, which they do not openly admit.
Hidden agenda is usually formal, journalistic, business, political, academic (critical discourse). often used pejoratively. in register.
Hidden agenda: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɪd.ən əˈdʒen.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɪd.ən əˈdʒen.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have an axe to grind”
- “to have a card up one's sleeve”
- “a wolf in sheep's clothing (conceptually related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an AGENDA (a list of meeting topics) with one item written in INVISIBLE INK. It's there, it affects the meeting, but no one is supposed to see it – it's the HIDDEN AGENDA.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS/COMMUNICATION IS A GAME (with secret rules), MOTIVATIONS ARE OBJECTS (that can be concealed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'hidden agenda' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?