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

It blamed the chaos on SDF troops, who it says abandoned the camp during the January offensive, leaving the facility unguarded for hours and making it hard to reimpose security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2025

Earlier in the game, moments after Bryan Mbeumo had put Manchester United 2-1 ahead, Foster did superbly to round goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and slide the ball into the unguarded net.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 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