unguarded

American  

[uhn-gahr-did] / ʌnˈgɑr dɪd /

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.

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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 stroke seems to have stripped away some of his old formality, leaving him more open, unguarded, even amused by his own lapses.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

The moment Trai Hume's lofted effort made its way into the unguarded net, Windsor Park erupted.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

For the first time in twenty-two years, I was out in the world and unguarded.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• candid
• indiscreet
• offhand
• spontaneous