1. assigned a security classification level that is higher or more restrictive than necessary; classified with excessive secrecy
Usage: often used in government and national security contexts; typically describes documents or information

Examples

• The report was deemed overclassified by the review board.
• Many government documents are overclassified, making it difficult for researchers to access historical information.
• The agency acknowledged that several files had been overclassified for decades.
• Overclassified materials can hinder transparency and public understanding of government actions.
• The inspector general found that much of the correspondence was overclassified and should have been released years ago.