unguarded

American  

[uhn-gahr-did] / ʌnˈgɑr dɪd /

adjective

1. not guarded; 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.

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unguarded British  

/ ʌnˈɡɑːdɪd /

adjective

1. unprotected; vulnerable

2. guileless; open; frank

3. incautious or careless

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Other Word Forms

• unguardedness
  noun
• unguardedly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of unguarded

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unguarded

When she began her acting journey, Nakajima thought she’d turn to drama, but there’s something more unguarded in comedy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026

According to Ahlhauser’s daughter, Mame O’Meara, these pictures represent an unguarded and unedited version of the celebrity.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

However, Roope Hintz and Kaapo Kakko struck in quick succession in the third period to ensure Finland ended their campaign on the podium, with Joel Armia and Haula scoring late into an unguarded goal.

From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026

The government blamed the disorder on a ragged retreat by the Syrian Democratic Forces that left the camp unguarded for hours and made it difficult to re-establish security.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 18, 2026

And if there were, it meant a long diversion along the river until we found an unguarded bridge.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

• candid
• indiscreet
• offhand
• spontaneous