# secrecy

/ˈsikɹəsi/ (US) · /sˈiːkɹəsˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/secrecy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. state of being hidden

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being kept secret or hidden from other people.

For teachers: the condition of being concealed or kept from public knowledge. Uncountable in this general sense.

- The government operated in total secrecy while planning the new law.
- The entire operation was shrouded in secrecy, with only a handful of senior officials aware of the mission's true objectives.

### 2. habit of keeping secrets

noun · CEFR B2

the habit of keeping your actions or thoughts hidden from others.

For teachers: the quality or characteristic of being secretive or inclined to keep secrets.

- His natural secrecy made it very difficult for his friends to help him.
- Her habitual secrecy regarding her past led to significant tension within the family as more questions remained unanswered.

## Examples

- The meeting was held in total secrecy.
- The government maintained strict secrecy regarding the details of the new trade agreement until it was signed.
- The culture of secrecy within the organization eventually led to a breakdown in public trust, as stakeholders felt excluded from the decision-making process.

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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.