unguarded

[uhn-gahr-did]

adjective

1. not guarded; guard; unprotected; undefended.

   Synonyms: defenseless

2. open; frank; guileless.

   an unguarded manner.

3. exposed to attack or capture by the opponent without recourse by the player, as a card, chess piece, etc..

   an unguarded queen of clubs; an unguarded pawn.

4. not cautious or discreet; careless.

   In an unguarded moment he had told her about his affair.

   Synonyms: indiscreet

5. without a safeguard, as a cover, barrier, or shield, for protection.

   an unguarded buzz saw.

unguarded

/ ʌnˈɡɑːdɪd /

adjective

1. unprotected; vulnerable

2. guileless; open; frank

3. incautious or careless

Other Word Forms

• unguardedly adverb
• unguardedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguarded¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + guarded

Example Sentences

Yet “True Colors” became a hit anyway, topping the Hot 100 for two weeks thanks in large part to Lauper’s deeply unguarded vocal performance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I didn’t ask Shires about the nod to the track that was supposedly written for her, an unguarded acoustic number exploring the excitement and anxieties of a fresh passion, but she offered an explanation.

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And while his lyrics can be clumsy, their unguarded simplicity bypasses criticism.

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I took some photos of him engaging with the camera, but I loved this unguarded moment where he was deep in thought.

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But nothing compares to the innocence of first love, that raw, unguarded vulnerability that comes before you learn how to protect yourself.

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Related Words

• candid 
• indiscreet 
• offhand 
• spontaneous