Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking caution or careful thought; said or done without considering potential consequences: This describes a statement, action, or moment when one is not being careful or discreet.
   • Not protected or watched over; vulnerable to attack or danger: This describes a physical place, object, or position that is left without defense or supervision.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Lacking caution):
  • He made an unguarded comment about the company's finances.
  • In an unguarded moment, she revealed her true feelings.
• Adjective (Not protected):
  • The castle's unguarded rear gate was its weakest point.
  • The soldier left his post, leaving the camp unguarded.

Advanced Usage

• "to catch someone off-guard / unguarded": to surprise someone when they are not prepared or being cautious.
  • The interviewer's personal question caught the politician unguarded.
• "in an unguarded moment": during a time when one is not being careful to control one's words or actions.
  • In an unguarded moment, he admitted he was wrong.

Variants and Related Words

• Unguardedly (adverb): In an unguarded manner.
  • He spoke unguardedly to the reporter.
• Unguardedness (noun): The state or quality of being unguarded.
  • Her unguardedness made her easy to trust.

Synonyms

• Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
• Imprudent: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
• Unprotected: Not kept safe from harm or injury.
• Vulnerable: Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.

Antonyms

• Guarded: Cautious and having possible reservations.
• Cautious: Careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
• Protected: Kept safe from harm or injury.
• Defended: Resisted an attack made on someone or something.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "With one's guard down": In a relaxed, unguarded state.
  • It's only when he's with his family that he truly lets his guard down. (Note: This idiom uses "guard," not "unguarded," but expresses a similar concept of being off one's guard.)

Adjective

1. displaying or feeling no wariness
   • an unguarded remark
2. lacking protection or a guard
   • an unguarded gate
   • his unguarded queen was open to attack