unguardedness

Lack of caution

Unguardedness is the state of being unguarded—having one's defenses down, whether physically or emotionally.

Most often it describes moments when someone speaks or acts without their usual caution or self-protection: In a moment of unguardedness, she admitted her doubts about the project.

The word suggests vulnerability, sometimes welcome, sometimes regretted.

candor

openness

Quality of being accessible

franknessDirect, unguarded honesty
candorUnguarded truthfulness
transparencyState of being see-through

forthrightness · sincerity · directness · bluntness · plainspokenness · outspokenness · straightforwardness · uninhibitedness · artlessness · guilelessness

vulnerability

exposure

State of being unprotected

defenselessnessState of being unprotected
susceptibilityLiability to influence
opennessQuality of being accessible

weakness · helplessness · accessibility · precariousness · endangerment · insecurity · fragility · rawness · sensitivity · tenderness

carelessness

negligence

Failure to exercise care

recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
imprudenceUnwise decision-making
heedlessnessFailure to notice danger

incaution · inattention · thoughtlessness · rashness · oversight · laxness · sloppiness · remissness · obliviousness · nonchalance

Opposites

vigilance and alertness

unguardednessvigilance

State of keen awareness

watchfulness · alertness · wariness · guardedness · attentiveness

caution in speech or behavior

unguardednessdiscretion

Careful judgment in speech

guardedness · circumspection · prudence · caution · reserve

emotional/psychological protection

unguardednessguardedness

Defensive emotional reserve

defensiveness · self-protection · wariness · suspicion · distrust

Family

guard, regard, guarded, guardian, safeguard, guards, disregard, guarding, unguarded

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G