Unprotected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unprotected
[ˌʌnprəˈtɛktɪd ]
Definitions
security
Not protected or defended against some risk or danger.
Synonyms
defenseless, exposed, unguarded, vulnerable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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unprotected |
Used when describing someone or something that lacks necessary protection, often in a physical sense.
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vulnerable |
Indicates susceptibility to physical or emotional harm or attack, often used in more emotional or psychological contexts.
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exposed |
Refers to being open to danger, harm, or risk, often highlighting vulnerability to external elements.
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defenseless |
Describes a person or animal that cannot defend themselves against attack, often evoking sympathy.
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unguarded |
Used when something is not being watched or protected, often implying negligence or risk.
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Examples of usage
- The website was left unprotected against cyber attacks.
- The unprotected area was prone to flooding.
- She felt vulnerable and unprotected in the unfamiliar surroundings.
health
Not having taken precautions to prevent sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unprotected |
Best used when referring to something that lacks protection or safety measures, such as a system, place, or person, often within a technical or physical context.
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unsafe |
Best for describing conditions or environments that are not secure or might put someone in harm's way.
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risky |
Used for situations involving uncertainty and potential loss or danger, often in the context of decisions, investments, or adventures.
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dangerous |
Ideal for describing situations, actions, or places that have a high potential for causing harm or injury.
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Examples of usage
- Engaging in unprotected sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies.
- It is important to use protection to avoid unprotected exposure to STDs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, 'unprotected' often refers to rights or individuals who do not have legal safeguards, like freedom of speech in certain contexts.
- Bills of Rights aim to protect citizens; without them, people may feel unprotected from government actions.
Technology
- In cybersecurity, unprotected devices are vulnerable to attacks, as they lack firewalls or other security measures.
- An unprotected Wi-Fi network can expose users to hacking, making their private information accessible to others.
Health
- Without unprotected precautions during health emergencies, communities can face increased risks, similar to the spread of disease.
- Unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), highlighting the importance of safety measures.
Environmental Issues
- Areas unprotected by laws or regulations may suffer from pollution and environmental degradation.
- Wildlife unprotected from hunting could face extinction, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Origin of 'unprotected'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'unprotected' comes from 'protect,' which means to keep safe, and the prefix 'un-' means not.
- In Middle English, the word 'protect' was widely used, derived from Old French and Latin, emphasizing its long history in language.
The word 'unprotected' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'protected' which comes from the Latin 'protectus', past participle of 'protegere' meaning 'to cover in front, defend, protect'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that is not guarded or defended against risks or dangers.
See also: overprotective, protect, protectant, protected, protecting, protection, protections, protective, protectively, protectiveness, protector, protectors.