Word
undercover
Phoneticsun·der·cov·er, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌəndɝˈkəvɝ/
UK/ˌʌndəkˈʌvɐ/
Definitions
01secret investigation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law
adj. working secretly to get information, especially for the police or government.
adj. involved in or involving secret investigation or spying, typically while assuming a false identity.
“The undercover officer spent months living with the gang to gather evidence.”
“The agency launched an undercover operation to infiltrate the smuggling ring, placing several agents in high-risk positions for over a year.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
02a secret agent
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Informal
n. a person, like a police officer, who works in secret using a fake name.
n. an operative or agent who performs duties while their true identity and motives remain concealed.
“The criminals never suspected that their new driver was actually an undercover.”
“The tension in the room spiked when the boss began to suspect there was an undercover among his most trusted lieutenants.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun to refer to the person rather than the action.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “undercover” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Zwick was targeted by undercover detectives and confessed on March 27, 2024.” “Rights groups have criticised “sting” operations for using undercover agents to convince suspects to plot attacks.” Etymology
From under + cover.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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