deniability

deny +‎ -ability

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˌnaɪ(j)əˈbɪlɪti/

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deniability (countable and uncountable, plural deniabilities)

1. (uncountable) The condition of being deniable.
2. (countable) The extent to which something is deniable.
   • 2014, “Little Green Men”: A Primer on Modern Russian Unconventional Warfare, Ukraine 2013–2014‎, Fort Bragg, North Carolina: The United States Army Special Operations Command, page 43:

     These infamous little green men appeared during the decisive seizures or buildings and facilities, only to disappear when associated militias and local troops arrived to consolidate the gains. In this way they provided a measure of deniability—however superficial or implausible—for Moscow.⁴⁰

• plausible deniability