# ulterior

/əɫˈtɪɹiɝ/ (US) · /ʌltˈiəɹɪɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ulterior
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

having a hidden reason or purpose that is not obvious at first. You use this when someone does something for a secret reason that they do not tell you about.

For teachers: having a hidden or secret motive or purpose. Often used to describe motives that are not immediately apparent to others.

## Examples

- He had an ulterior motive for helping me.
- The manager's offer to work extra hours seemed generous, but she had an ulterior motive to finish the project before the holiday.
- While the politician's public stance on environmental reform appeared altruistic, his advisors suggested he had an ulterior motive to secure more funding for his re-election campaign.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.