deep state

American  

[deep stayt] / ˈdip ˈsteɪt /

noun

1. a group of unelected officials in government agencies or private organizations who are believed by some to be secretly exerting undue or illegal influence on government policy.

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Example Sentences

Mojtaba Khamenei worked for decades in his shadow; he knows all the details about how the deep state works when it confronts external threats and internal upheaval.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

For months, California’s public higher education institutions have braced for deep state funding cuts, fearing they would lead to reductions in student services, course offerings and even enrollment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

Buddy is soon cast into a deep state of emotional limbo, unsure of himself and his place in life.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2023

One poster compared Q, the supposed deep state mole who began sending cryptic messages in 2017, to a LARPer—that is, someone who plays live action role playing games.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2021

One of her most ardent lovers was De Beriot, the great violinist, who, on his rejection, fell into a deep state of despondency, from which the fascinations of the beautiful Malibran at length roused him.

From Famous Singers of To-day and Yesterday by Lahee, Henry C.