Unprotected: meaning, definitions and examples

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unprotected

 

[ ˌʌnprəˈtɛktɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

security

Not protected or defended against some risk or danger.

Synonyms

defenseless, exposed, unguarded, vulnerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unprotected

Used when describing someone or something that lacks necessary protection, often in a physical sense.

  • The child wandered into the street unprotected.
  • The unprotected data was easily accessed by hackers.
vulnerable

Indicates susceptibility to physical or emotional harm or attack, often used in more emotional or psychological contexts.

  • After the breakup, she felt incredibly vulnerable.
  • The seaside village is vulnerable to tsunamis.
exposed

Refers to being open to danger, harm, or risk, often highlighting vulnerability to external elements.

  • The exposed mountainside faced the full force of the storm.
  • The company's secrets were exposed in the data breach.
defenseless

Describes a person or animal that cannot defend themselves against attack, often evoking sympathy.

  • The defenseless kitten was left alone in the storm.
  • Without their armor, the soldiers felt defenseless.
unguarded

Used when something is not being watched or protected, often implying negligence or risk.

  • The unguarded gate allowed anyone to enter the premises.
  • He made an unguarded comment that revealed too much.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

health

Not having taken precautions to prevent sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

Synonyms

dangerous, risky, unsafe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The data was unprotected and easily accessible to anyone.
  • She felt unprotected walking alone at night.
unsafe

Best for describing conditions or environments that are not secure or might put someone in harm's way.

  • The building was declared unsafe after the earthquake.
  • Working without a helmet is unsafe.
risky

Used for situations involving uncertainty and potential loss or danger, often in the context of decisions, investments, or adventures.

  • Investing in startups can be very risky.
  • Climbing that mountain is a risky endeavor.
dangerous

Ideal for describing situations, actions, or places that have a high potential for causing harm or injury.

  • It's dangerous to drive at high speeds on icy roads.
  • That area of the city is known to be dangerous at night.

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

Translations of the word "unprotected" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desprotegido

🇮🇳 असुरक्षित

🇩🇪 ungeschützt

🇮🇩 tidak terlindungi

🇺🇦 незахищений

🇵🇱 niechroniony

🇯🇵 無防備

🇫🇷 non protégé

🇪🇸 desprotegido

🇹🇷 korunmasız

🇰🇷 보호되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير محمي

🇨🇿 nechráněný

🇸🇰 nechránený

🇨🇳 未受保护的

🇸🇮 nezaščiten

🇮🇸 óvarinn

🇰🇿 қорғалмаған

🇬🇪 დაუცველი

🇦🇿 qorunmayan

🇲🇽 desprotegido

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,353, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.