Word
sleeper agent
Countable noun
Definition
n. a spy who lives a normal life in another country for a long time. They do not do any spying until they are told to start their secret mission.
n. an espionage operative who is placed in a target country or organisation not to conduct immediate operations, but to establish a deep-cover identity for future activation.
Examples
“The sleeper agent lived as a quiet librarian for ten years.”
“After living as a suburban father for a decade, the sleeper agent received a coded message to begin his mission.”
“Intelligence agencies often struggle to identify the sleeper agent because their fabricated persona is indistinguishable from that of a law-abiding citizen with no suspicious connections.”
Examples
simple
“The sleeper agent lived as a quiet librarian for ten years.”
contextual
“After living as a suburban father for a decade, the sleeper agent received a coded message to begin his mission.”
complex
“Intelligence agencies often struggle to identify the sleeper agent because their fabricated persona is indistinguishable from that of a law-abiding citizen with no suspicious connections.”
Usage
Typically used in the context of espionage or political thrillers.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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