What does disclosure mean?
Disclosure is a noun referring to the act of revealing information that was previously kept secret or private, as well as the information revealed itself. It carries a distinctly formal tone, appearing most often in legal, financial, journalistic, and governmental contexts where transparency is expected or required by rule. Companies make disclosure of earnings and risks; officials face disclosure obligations; individuals sign non-disclosure agreements promising not to reveal what they learn. The word can denote both the process ('the disclosure of the documents') and the content ('a startling disclosure in the report'). Its connotations are largely neutral to positive, associated with honesty, accountability, and openness, though it can also carry an air of scandal when the information uncovered is damaging. Derived from the verb 'disclose,' which ultimately comes from Latin roots meaning 'to un-close,' disclosure captures the moment something hidden is brought into the light.
nounThe act of making something known or revealing information that was previously secret or private; also the information itself that is revealed.
- The act of revealing or making known previously hidden or private information.
- The information itself that is revealed or made public.
"The company's full disclosure of the security breach helped restore public trust."
"Under securities law, companies are required to make timely disclosure of material risks to investors."
"Her candid memoir offered a rare disclosure of her struggles with anxiety."
The plural typically refers to multiple individual pieces of revealed information rather than repeated acts of revealing.
"The filing contained several disclosures about pending litigation."
The phrase 'full disclosure' traces its legal weight back centuries — but the verb behind it, 'disclose', literally means to 'un-close,' to unlock what was shut.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disclosure
Disclosure entered English in the early 17th century from the verb 'disclose,' which came via Anglo-Norman and Old French 'desclos-' forms from Latin 'discludere,' formed from 'dis-' (apart) and 'claudere' (to close). The underlying sense is thus literally 'to un-close' — to open what was shut. It shares this Latin root with words such as include, exclude, preclude, and recluse.
Related word forms
How disclosure is actually used
Primarily formal or legal register; common in law, journalism, finance, and corporate governance contexts. In everyday speech, words like 'revealing' or 'letting slip' may sound more natural.
Easily confused with disclosure
A disclaimer denies responsibility or limits liability, whereas a disclosure reveals or makes information known.