Unclassify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unclassify

[ʌnˈklæsɪfaɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in classification

To remove from a designated class or category; to no longer categorize something.

Synonyms

declassify, recategorize, reclassify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unclassify	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
declassify	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
reclassify	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
recategorize	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

Examples of usage

I decided to unclassify the documents for easier access.
The items were unclassified due to the change in regulations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in information security

To change the classification level of sensitive information to a lower level of sensitivity.

Synonyms

declassify, downgrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unclassify	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.
declassify	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.
downgrade	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.

Word

Description / Examples

unclassify

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.

declassify

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.

downgrade

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.

Examples of usage

The government agency decided to unclassify the confidential report.
The documents were unclassified to allow broader access to the information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Government and Law

In the U.S., government documents can be classified for national security, and unclassifying them often involves review by multiple agencies.
The Freedom of Information Act allows citizens to request the unclassification of certain government records.
Unclassifying documents can sometimes lead to public debates about transparency and secrecy in governance.

Technology

In the field of data and information management, 'unclassifying' can refer to removing tags from digital files to enable broader access.
Machine learning systems may rely on classifiers to organize data, and unclassifying refers to modifying those parameters for analysis.
Tech companies often unclassify algorithms to promote open-source sharing and improve community contributions.

Pop Culture

In many spy movies and shows, characters frequently deal with unclassifying information to expose a hidden truth or conspiracy.
Popular media often highlights battles over document unclassification, emphasizing themes of freedom of information vs. government secrecy.
Documentaries focused on historical events frequently require unclassifying footage or texts to provide a complete narrative.

Education

In educational contexts, unclassifying educational material can help promote open access to learning resources and research findings.
Academics often advocate for unclassifying research data to encourage collaboration and innovation across fields.
Unclassifying textbooks and study materials can enable diverse learning perspectives and resources for students worldwide.

Origin of 'unclassify'

Main points about word origin

'Unclassify' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'classify', which comes from the Latin 'classificare', meaning to put into classes.
The term was popularized during the mid-20th century as governments began to reform information sharing practices.
In legal and governmental contexts, unclassification is a formal process often requiring specific guidelines or permissions.

The word 'unclassify' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the verb 'classify'. It first appeared in the late 20th century as a term used in various fields such as information security and document management to indicate the action of removing classification or changing the level of sensitivity of information.