Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not listed in the telephone directory: Used to describe a telephone number that is deliberately kept out of the publicly available telephone book or directory, typically for privacy reasons. This is a British English term.

Usage

• The term "ex-directory" is used attributively, almost always before a noun (e.g., an ex-directory number). It describes the status of a telephone number.
• It is primarily used in British English. The equivalent term in American English is "unlisted."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She keeps her home number ex-directory to avoid unwanted calls.
  • The celebrity's phone number is ex-directory.
  • I tried to look him up, but his number seems to be ex-directory.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used informally as a predicate adjective, though this is less common.
  • Is your number ex-directory?

Variants and Related Words

• Unlisted (adj): The standard American English equivalent of "ex-directory."
  • He has an unlisted number.

Synonyms

• Unlisted: Not included in a published list or directory.
• Private: Kept secret or not for public knowledge (in the context of contact details).

Antonyms

• Listed: Included in a published directory.
• Directory: (when used as an adjective in this context) Available in the phone book.

Adjective

1. (of telephone numbers) not listed in the telephone directory
   • an ex-directory number (British usage)