C1nounformallawwork
US/ˌkɑːn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ə.ti/
UK/ˌkɒn.fɪ.den.ʃiˈæl.ə.ti/
the duty to keep private information secret and not share it with others
In context
All employees must sign a confidentiality agreement on their first day.
Doctors must protect the confidentiality of their patients' records.
Please treat this email with strict confidentiality and do not forward it.
Words that go with confidentiality
verb + noun
- breach confidentialitySharing the client list would breach confidentiality.
- maintain confidentialityWe maintain confidentiality at every stage of the study.
- guarantee confidentialityThe survey guarantees confidentiality to all participants.
noun + noun
- confidentiality agreementThe confidentiality agreement lasts for five years.
- confidentiality clauseA confidentiality clause protects the company's designs.
adjective + noun
- strict confidentialityThe results are held in strict confidentiality.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Please keep the confidentiality of this document.Correct: Please keep this document confidential.