reclassify

American  

[ree-klas-uh-fahy] / riˈklæs əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

reclassified, reclassifying

1. to classify anew.

2. to change the security classification of (information, a document, etc.).

---

Other Word Forms

• reclassification noun

Etymology

Origin of reclassify

First recorded in 1915–20; re- + classify

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

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

Beach hut owners say they are looking into the legal basis of plans to reclassify their huts as second homes for the purposes of council tax.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added.

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

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