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

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Etymology

Origin of unguarded

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unguarded

The longest unguarded border in the world runs between our two countries.

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

But his self-assurance is intriguingly undercut during an unguarded exchange in which he acknowledges that no prospective romantic partner has been comfortable with his desire to keep returning to Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

I wish I could tell you I got some good gossip, but there wasn't a single unguarded moment.

From BBC ● Apr. 21, 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

On June 27, Syngman Rhee, along with the entire South Korean leadership, abandoned Seoul, leaving its citizens unguarded.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

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Related Words

• candid
• indiscreet
• offhand
• spontaneous

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