Confidential

Describing information that is meant to be kept secret and not shared with others. It suggests a level of trust and discretion. confidential information is often sensitive, private, or potentially damaging if disclosed. The handling of confidential matters requires careful consideration to protect the privacy or security of those involved. Breaching confidentiality can have serious legal and ethical consequences.

Confidential meaning with examples

• During the job interview, the candidate assured the hiring manager that all information shared about her previous roles and salary expectations would remain confidential. This built trust and encouraged open communication. The company's promise ensured that personal details wouldn't be disclosed to competitors or other employees.
• The lawyer explained to his client that all communication between them, including discussions about the case strategy and personal details, was considered strictly confidential. This privilege encouraged the client to be completely honest and forthcoming, enabling a strong defense to be built.
• The government classified certain documents as confidential to protect national security, knowing that if these details were disclosed, they could harm citizens or create opportunities for enemies to act against them. Access was granted on a need-to-know basis, ensuring tight control and no possibility of accidental leaks.
• After a successful merger, the companies agreed to a confidentiality agreement ensuring details of their strategic plans would be shared with only selected groups of employees. This helped prevent corporate espionage, securing their competitive advantage in a turbulent market, and creating a cohesive unit.