reclassify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to classify anew.
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to change the security classification of (information, a document, etc.).
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have reclassifiedperfect
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has reclassifiedperfect 3rd person singular
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am reclassifyingprogressive 1st person singular
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are reclassifyingprogressive
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has been reclassifyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been reclassifyingperfect progressive
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is reclassifyingprogressive 3rd person singular
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reclassifyingparticiple
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reclassifiessingular 3rd person
Past
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had reclassifiedperfect
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reclassifiedsimple
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had been reclassifyingperfect progressive
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was reclassifyingprogressive singular
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reclassifiedparticiple
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were reclassifyingprogressive plural
Future
Etymology
Origin of reclassify
Explanation
When you reclassify something, you change its category. A bookseller might reclassify a memoir as "fiction" after it's revealed that the author invented most of the people and events in it. Your boss where you work part-time may reclassify you as a full-time worker in the summer, when you have more time for your job. And your school might consider cheerleading to be a club, while some others have decided to reclassify it as a sport. In both cases, something has changed categories. The verb reclassify adds the "again" prefix re- to classify, which means "put into a class or group."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is common for BDCs to restructure their investments then reclassify them as performing before returning them to nonperforming.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026
South Korea said Friday it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung.
From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025
That's quite significant and enough to reclassify moderate generalized anxiety disorder as mild in some cases.
From Science Daily • Oct. 27, 2025
This means many arts groups have had to reclassify workers as employees, leading to increased expenses to cover payroll taxes, overtime pay, paid sick leave and more.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025
The Board may also reclassify cities as reserve or central reserve cities, or terminate their designation as such.
From Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Phillips, Chester Arthur
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
