# classified

/ˈkɫæsəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /klˈæsɪfˌaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/classified
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. secret information

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

official information that is secret and only certain people are allowed to see.

For teachers: formally designated by a government or organization as sensitive, requiring specific security clearance for access.

- The general refused to answer questions about the classified documents.
- The whistleblower was charged with leaking classified intelligence that the government claimed would jeopardize national security if made public.

Usage: Often used with nouns like 'information', 'documents', or 'files'.

### 2. sorted into groups

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

arranged or organized into different groups or classes.

For teachers: arranged into specific categories or classes based on shared characteristics.

- The library has books classified by subject so they are easy to find.
- The biological specimens were classified according to their genetic markers rather than their physical appearance.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'by' or 'as'.

### 3. small advertisements

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

small advertisements in a newspaper or website, usually organized by what is being sold.

For teachers: small advertisements in a periodical or digital platform, typically grouped by category such as jobs, housing, or services.

- I looked through the classifieds to see if anyone was selling a used bike.
- Before the rise of dedicated online marketplaces, local newspapers relied heavily on the revenue generated by the classifieds section.

Usage: Almost always used in the plural form 'classifieds'.

## Examples

- I found a cheap used car in the classifieds.
- She spent the morning looking through the classifieds to find a local apartment for rent.
- Before the rise of digital marketplaces, local newspapers relied heavily on the revenue generated by the classifieds section for their daily operations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.