unprotected

adjective

un·​pro·​tect·​ed ˌən-prə-ˈtek-təd How to pronounce unprotected (audio)
1
: lacking protection or defense
unprotected troops
skin unprotected from the sun's rays
2
: performed without the use of birth control to prevent pregnancy
also : performed without the use of a condom to prevent spread of sexually transmitted disease
unprotected sex

Examples of unprotected in a Sentence

They're planning to build roads over thousands of acres of unprotected land. If your computer is unprotected, you're likely to get a virus.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, there’s an alternate scenario where the Sixers are making in-season upgrades by dangling an unprotected 2028 Clippers pick; that’s part of the logic of keeping below the first apron and maximizing their potential trading options. John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 That delay leaves children unprotected for longer periods of time against highly contagious diseases. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 During his run as head coach at the University of Michigan, Edina native Mel Pearson noted that playing on the Gophers’ big ice caused many young defenders to stray farther and farther away from their own net, leaving the Wolverines’ goalie unprotected at times. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025 Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the high noise levels of a leaf vacuum can cause lasting hearing loss. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprotected

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprotected was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Unprotected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprotected. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unprotected

adjective
un·​pro·​tect·​ed ˌən-prə-ˈtek-təd How to pronounce unprotected (audio)
1
: lacking protection or defense
unprotected troops
skin unprotected from the sun's rays
2
: performed without the use of birth control to prevent pregnancy
also : performed without the use of a condom to prevent the spread of a sexually transmitted disease
unprotected sex

Medical Definition

unprotected

adjective
un·​pro·​tect·​ed -prə-ˈtek-təd How to pronounce unprotected (audio)
: not protected
especially : performed without measures to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
unprotected sexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on unprotected

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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