disclosing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “disclosing” mean?
Making previously hidden or secret information known to others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Making previously hidden or secret information known to others.
The act of revealing, exposing, or making something visible that was concealed; can refer to information, feelings, intentions, or physical objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in British English, often associated with official procedures (e.g., 'disclosing documents'). In American English, common in business and legal contexts ('disclosing financial interests').
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in American legal and corporate discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “disclosing” in a Sentence
disclosing + NP (direct object)disclosing + that-clausedisclosing + to + NP (recipient)disclosing + wh-clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disclosing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company is disclosing its annual report to shareholders next week.
- She regretted disclosing her home address to the stranger.
American English
- The witness is disclosing key evidence to the grand jury.
- He avoided disclosing his political donations publicly.
adverb
British English
- He spoke disclosingly about the project's early failures. (Rare)
American English
- She answered the questions disclosingly, holding nothing back. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- The disclosing statement contained all the relevant financial risks.
- Use a disclosing mouthwash to see where you need to brush better.
American English
- Sign the disclosing agreement before accessing the confidential files.
- The dentist gave her a disclosing tablet to check for plaque.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to making financial data, conflicts of interest, or corporate information public as required by law or ethics.
Academic
Used when discussing the revelation of research findings, data sources, or methodological details.
Everyday
Talking about sharing personal information, news, or secrets with friends or family.
Technical
In dentistry, refers to a tablet or solution that colours plaque on teeth to make it visible.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disclosing”
- Using 'disclose' without a direct object (e.g., 'He disclosed.' -> Incorrect).
- Confusing 'disclose' with 'describe'. One reveals hidden info, the other gives details.
- Using in overly informal contexts where 'tell' or 'share' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While often about hidden information, it can also refer to the formal or official act of making any information known, even if not strictly secret (e.g., disclosing data in a study).
They are close synonyms. 'Disclose' often implies a more formal, deliberate, or obligated act, common in legal/business contexts. 'Reveal' can be more general and sometimes more dramatic or unexpected.
Yes, but it's less common (gerund). The noun 'disclosure' is far more frequent (e.g., 'the disclosure of information'). 'Disclosing' as a noun typically refers to the act or process itself.
No. The structure is 'disclose something (to someone)'. You disclose information, not a person. You could 'disclose someone's identity' (the information about them).
Making previously hidden or secret information known to others.
Disclosing is usually formal to neutral in register.
Disclosing: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkləʊzɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈkloʊzɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lift the lid on (something)”
- “Let the cat out of the bag”
- “Spill the beans”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a closed DISK. DISCLOSING is like opening the disk to see what's inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (to disclose is to make visible); SECRETS ARE BURIED OBJECTS (to disclose is to dig up).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'disclosing' used in a specialised, non-informational sense?