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

• unguardedly adverb
• unguardedness noun

Etymology

Origin of unguarded

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

Example Sentences

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

The theft is thought to have taken place after the driver for a civilian transport company - contracted by the military - left his truck in an unguarded parking lot overnight on 25 November.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

Aside from the way she has to be coy about the series, she’s appealingly unguarded in her enthusiasm for the journey it sent her on as an actor.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025

I’m expecting a snappy retort but instead he looks at me in a completely unguarded way and says, “I’m so sorry about yesterday. I can’t tell you how sorry.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• candid
• indiscreet
• offhand
• spontaneous