leaked

The word “leaked” means describing a document, recording, or piece of information that was meant to stay private but got out to the public. In plain terms, released to the public without authorization.

“Leaked” is pronounced leekt (/liːkt/ in IPA).

Here is “leaked” used in a sentence: “The leaked memo caused an uproar at the company.”

“Leaked” is an adjective.

“Leaked” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Released describes material made public intentionally by its owner or an authorised source, such as a studio releasing an album. Leaked describes a document, recording, or piece of information that was meant to stay private but got out to the public without authorisation. The key difference is consent: releases are sanctioned, leaks are not.

Hacked refers to how material was obtained: by breaking into a computer system without permission. Leaked refers to the fact that private information got out to the public, whatever the route, and often suggests someone with legitimate access passed it on. Hacked material can end up leaked, but many leaks involve no hacking at all.

Leaked most often describes documents, recordings, and other information that was meant to stay private, such as internal memos, emails, unreleased music or film footage, and confidential reports. It is standard vocabulary in journalism and carries the implication that the material reached the public without approval.