nondisclosure

American  

[nahn-dis-kloh-zher] / ˌnɑn dɪsˈkloʊ ʒər /

noun

1. failure to disclose or share information when asked, expected, or legally required to do so.

2. Business. the act, especially as obligated by contract, of refraining from disclosing or revealing sensitive or competitive information.

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Explanation

Nondisclosure is not sharing important information. If someone sells their house and doesn't tell the buyer that the basement floods every times it rains, that's nondisclosure. Legally, nondisclosure means failing to reveal information that the law says you have to disclose. In a court case, attorneys must tell the opposing side basic details about the witnesses they plan to call. If they don't, they are guilty of nondisclosure. This word often appears in the phrase "nondisclosure agreement," which is a legal contract that guarantees the signer will keep certain information confidential — in other words, they promise not to disclose it.

Example Sentences

Swalwell earlier in the week denied any inappropriate behavior, including allegations that his office required interns to sign nondisclosure agreements.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The Supreme Court’s order cited a dramatic example of nondisclosure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

And employees and clerks are now required to sign nondisclosure agreements that threaten legal action if confidential information is leaked, the New York Times reported in February.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Leggett said Tuesday it entered a nondisclosure agreement and six-month standstill with Somnigroup to help with the due diligence process and determine whether a deal can be reached.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

It was a nondisclosure form stipulating that father and son would not tell anyone what had gone on inside the prison.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden