# unguarded

/ənˈɡɑɹdɪd/ (US) · /ʌnɡˈɑːdɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unguarded
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

not protected or watched over. It can also describe someone who is not careful with their words or actions, often saying things they do not mean to say.

For teachers: lacking protection, defense, or surveillance; also describes a lack of caution or restraint in speech or behavior. Often used to describe a moment of vulnerability or a slip of the tongue.

## Examples

- The house was left unguarded while the family was on vacation.
- The politician made an unguarded comment about his opponent during a private dinner, which later appeared in the morning papers.
- The fortress was left unguarded for several hours while the garrison marched to the neighboring village, a lapse in security that the enemy quickly exploited to gain entry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.