as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the home team scored when the visitors' goalie momentarily left the goal unprotected
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unprotected
Being outdoors unprotected, or not protected enough, for prolonged periods, can cause severe health risks, including hypothermia and frostbite.
—
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
The Sacramento County Department of Transportation widened the six- to eight-lane section of Watt to accommodate unprotected bike lanes while maintaining three wide general-purpose lanes in each direction plus varying turning lanes and a 45 mph speed limit.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Since Israel passed the law banning the agency last year, its facilities — schools and health centers — and its headquarters have repeatedly been closed, raided or left unprotected.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Overnight lows in the teens could also become life-threatening, the weather service said, and could put unprotected livestock and pets at risk.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprotected
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
The Sacramento County Department of Transportation widened the six- to eight-lane section of Watt to accommodate unprotected bike lanes while maintaining three wide general-purpose lanes in each direction plus varying turning lanes and a 45 mph speed limit.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Since Israel passed the law banning the agency last year, its facilities — schools and health centers — and its headquarters have repeatedly been closed, raided or left unprotected.
—Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Overnight lows in the teens could also become life-threatening, the weather service said, and could put unprotected livestock and pets at risk.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprotected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprotected
Adjective
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But Michael warned the new structure is vulnerable to Hamas manipulation, with the group likely to exploit any new setup.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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The greatest concern is along the North Carolina Outer Banks and into the Virginia Tidewater region, where strong winds, high surf and beach erosion could lead to overwash and flooding in vulnerable coastal communities.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
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Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Confederacy would not win foreign recognition, leaving it helpless against a Union blockade.—
Jamelle Bouie,
Mercury News,
29 Jan. 2026
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Schools, though, aren’t helpless.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unprotected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprotected. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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