unclassified

adjective

un·​clas·​si·​fied ˌən-ˈkla-sə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unclassified (audio)
1
: not subject to a security classification
unclassified information
2
: not placed or belonging in a class

Examples of unclassified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Media organizations had until Tuesday evening to decide whether to agree to a new policy that sought to limit journalists from seeking out information that had not been approved by Pentagon officials, even unclassified material. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025 According to the Defense Department’s press office, which outlined the new rules last month, reporters covering the Pentagon must sign a pledge not to obtain or use unauthorized material (even if the information is unclassified). Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 This legislation would require the Justice Department to publicly release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 The Pentagon’s new rules take a further step by seeking to restrict reporting on unclassified information. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unclassified

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclassified was in 1815

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unclassified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclassified. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unclassified

adjective
un·​clas·​si·​fied ˌən-ˈklas-ə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unclassified (audio)
: not classified
especially : not requiring special treatment for purposes of security
unclassified documents

More from Merriam-Webster on unclassified

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!