Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Official classification for documents; meant to be seen by only the person to whom it is directed: Used to describe information, especially written or electronic documents, that is so sensitive it must be read only by the specific, intended recipient and no one else.

Usage

• The term "eyes-only" is primarily used in formal, governmental, military, or corporate contexts to mark the highest level of confidentiality for a specific recipient. It is often stamped or written on the document itself.
• It functions as an adjective, typically placed before the noun it modifies (e.g., an eyes-only memo).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The ambassador received an eyes-only cable from the Secretary of State.
  • This eyes-only report contains details of the covert operation.
  • The memo was marked eyes-only for the CEO.

Advanced Usage

• "For your eyes only": A common phrase used to explicitly state that a document or piece of information is intended solely for the person being addressed.
  • Attached is a dossier marked "for your eyes only." Do not share its contents.

Variants and Related Words

• Classified (adj): Information officially declared to be kept secret for reasons of national security. ("Eyes-only" is often a subset of classified material with a stricter distribution rule.)
• Top-secret (adj): An official classification level for highly sensitive information. An "eyes-only" document is often also top-secret, but "top-secret" does not inherently specify a single recipient.
• Restricted (adj): Information with limited access, but not necessarily to a single person.

Synonyms

• Confidential: Intended to be kept secret.
• Sensitive compartmented information (SCI): A U.S. classification term for intelligence information concerning sensitive sources or methods.

Related Phrases

• Need-to-know: A principle where information is only shared with individuals who require it to perform their duties. An "eyes-only" document has an extremely strict "need-to-know" basis—limited to one person.

Adjective

1. official classification for documents; meant to be seen by only the person to whom it is directed