adj
Common
classified
KLA-suh-fyd
Classified (adj) means Officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government. Example: “The report was classified, so reporters could not see it.”
adj
1
Officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government.
"The report was classified, so reporters could not see it."
"Only officers with special clearance could read the classified files."
"The documents remain classified fifty years later."
2
Sorted into categories.
"The library's books are classified by subject and then by author."
"All the plants in the garden have been classified by species."
"Items in the museum are classified by era."
noun
1
A small paid advertisement in a newspaper, usually grouped by category.
"She placed a classified in the paper to sell her old bicycle."
"My uncle reads the classifieds every Sunday looking for bargains."
"He found the job through a classified in the local paper."
How to use classified
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither officially secret information, or a small newspaper ad — context makes the meaning obvious.
Common pairings
top secret classified
classified information
place a classified ad
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Word forms
- Plural
- classifieds
- Comparative
- more classified
- Superlative
- most classified
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report was _____, so reporters could not see it.
Etymology
Formed from classify and -ed.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unclassified
Related words
Rhymes for classified
See all rhymes for classified →Frequently asked questions
What does “classified” mean?
The word “classified” means officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government. In plain terms, either officially secret information, or a small newspaper ad — context makes the meaning obvious.
How do you pronounce “classified”?
“Classified” is pronounced KLA-suh-fyd (/ˈklæsəfaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “classified” in a sentence?
Here is “classified” used in a sentence: “The documents remain classified fifty years later.”
What part of speech is “classified”?
Depending on how it is used, “classified” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “classified” a common word?
“Classified” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “classified” have?
“Classified” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government.
What is the difference between 'classified' and 'confidential'?
'Classified' typically means officially marked as secret and restricted from public disclosure by a government, and it often carries a formal security level. 'Confidential' is broader and can apply to any private information, from medical records to business plans, without necessarily involving government secrecy.
What is the difference between 'classified' and 'top secret'?
'Classified' is the general term for government information restricted from public disclosure. 'Top secret' is a specific, high level of classification, meaning that all top secret material is classified, but not all classified material is top secret.
What are 'classified ads'?
'Classified ads' use the second sense of the word, meaning sorted into categories. They are small advertisements grouped by subject, such as jobs, cars, or housing, rather than anything secret or restricted.
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