unprotected

adjective

un·​pro·​tect·​ed ˌən-prə-ˈtek-təd How to pronounce unprotected (audio)
Synonyms of unprotectednext
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 infection
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.
Although Hall won his third Vezina Trophy — at the time awarded to the goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals — in 1966-67, the Hawks left him unprotected in the NHL expansion draft, and the Blues pounced. Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 That selection is lottery protected in 2027 or otherwise unprotected in 2028. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026 No, the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected first-round pick would not be on the table. Zach Harper, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 The best asset of the deal could be the unprotected first-round pick from Minnesota, which won’t come until 2031. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprotected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprotected. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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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