Unclassify: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'unclassify' when removing a classification from something, often making it no longer secret. It is rarely used in common language.

• The documents were unclassified and made available to the public

Use 'declassify' when officially removing the classified status mainly from governmental documents, making them accessible to the public. Often involves a formal process.

• After 50 years, the government decided to declassify the wartime records

Use 'reclassify' when changing the classification of something to a different category or grade, often in scientific or technical contexts.

• Due to new findings, scientists had to reclassify the planet

Use 'recategorize' when moving something from one category to another. This term is generally neutral and used in various fields.

• The museum decided to recategorize the ancient artifacts under a new timeline

Use 'unclassify' when you refer to the act of removing a classification from something, usually making information no longer classified. It is a less formal term than 'declassify'.

• The government decided to unclassify some old documents to make them available to the public.
• We need to unclassify these records for the sake of transparency.

Use 'declassify' in formal and official contexts when referring to the removal of classified status from documents, information, or materials, especially by a government or military authority.

• The CIA has decided to declassify files from the Cold War era.
• Sensitive information can only be declassified by authorized personnel.

Use 'downgrade' when referring to lowering the classification level of information rather than completely removing it. It often implies a reduction in importance or rank.

• The document was downgraded from 'Top Secret' to 'Confidential'.
• After reviewing the security threat, they decided to downgrade the alert level.