Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

plausible deniability

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.42 in modern English

Syllables: plau-si-ble -de-ni-a-bil-i-ty
IPA

30

Scrabble Score

20

Letters

9

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence may be denied by those in authority.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"Lieut. Col. Oliver L. North may have added a memorable phrase to the lexicon of political obfuscation at the Iran-contra hearings when he referred to his concern for "plausible deniability" as he carried out his covert activities."
"Americans would stand out in the Laotian jungle, and Washington needed to retain plausible deniability. CIA officials demanded that Laotians on their payroll carry out the mission."
"No longer is plausible deniability acceptable, either for boards or for management. Corporate and nonprofit boards alike are expected to know of problems that are brewing deep within their organizations."

Etymology

Originally CIA jargon from the 1950s, and popularized during the Watergate scandal (1970s).

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

plausible deniabilities (plural)

Phrases

plausible denial plausibly deny

Frequently Paired Words

plausible denial plausibly deny

Questions

What does plausible deniability mean?: The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence may be denied by those in authority.
Where does plausible deniability come from?: Originally CIA jargon from the 1950s, and popularized during the Watergate scandal (1970s).

How to pronounce plausible deniability

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