unbraced
Lacking structural support
Unbraced describes something that lacks braces or structural support, whether literal or figurative.
In construction and engineering, an unbraced wall or beam has no diagonal reinforcement to prevent buckling or swaying.
The term extends to physical posture—standing unbraced means not tensed or prepared for impact.
Figuratively, someone unbraced for bad news is emotionally unprepared: She was completely unbraced for the criticism that followed.
Without external support
- freestandingNot attached to anything
- unanchoredNot fastened down
- unstabilizedNot made firm
- unreinforcedLacking supplemental support
unshored · cantilever · self-supporting · unfastened · detached · disconnected · unbolted · loosened
Without means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unshieldedLacking protective barrier
- exposedOut in open
- precariousDangerously insecure
insecure · unsteady · unstable · wobbly · shaky · weakened · compromised · at-risk
Not held closed
- unboltedLock mechanism disengaged
- unstrappedFreed from bindings
- looseNot firmly secured
- unsecuredNot backed by collateral
disconnected · detached · unattached · unjoined · unclamped · unbuckled · unlatched · unhitched
Made less tight
- releasedSet free from confinement
- slackenedBecame less taut
- easedMade less severe
- decompressedRestored to original volume
unwound · unclenched · softened · yielding · limp · slack · lax · unbent
Lacking any covering
- uncoveredMade visible or known
- revealedMade visible or known
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unshelteredHaving no overhead protection
unveiled · disclosed · visible · displayed · unconcealed · unmasked · open · unguarded
unpropped
Without external support
- freestandingNot attached to anything
- unanchoredNot fastened down
- unstabilizedNot made firm
unreinforced · unshored · cantilever · self-supporting · unfastened · detached · disconnected · unbolted · loosened · unfixed
defenseless
Without means to resist
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unshieldedLacking protective barrier
- exposedOut in open
precarious · insecure · unsteady · unstable · wobbly · shaky · weakened · compromised · at-risk · susceptible
unfastened
Not held closed
- unboltedLock mechanism disengaged
- unstrappedFreed from bindings
- looseNot firmly secured
unsecured · disconnected · detached · unattached · unjoined · unclamped · unbuckled · unlatched · unhitched · uncoupled
loosened
Made less tight
decompressed · unwound · unclenched · softened · yielding · limp · slack · lax · unbent · unflexed
bare
Lacking any covering
- uncoveredMade visible or known
- revealedMade visible or known
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
unsheltered · unveiled · disclosed · visible · displayed · unconcealed · unmasked · open · unguarded · unshielded
- stabilitystable, steady, firmness, unstable, equilibrium
unbracedbraced
Steadied against force
supported · reinforced · buttressed · stabilized · shored up