exposed

/ɛkˈspoʊzd/

/ɛksˈpʌʊzd/

Something that's exposed is uncovered or unprotected. An exposed hillside isn't sheltered by hills, trees, or buildings, but is completely open to the wind and weather.

If you venture out on a bitterly cold day with no gloves, your exposed fingers might get frostbite, and a soldier in battle with no body armor is dangerously exposed. If you leave a wooden chair outside all year long, exposed to rain and snow and sun, it will eventually fall apart. Exposed comes from the verb expose, "leave without shelter or defense," from the Latin root exponere, "lay open or reveal."

Definitions of exposed

1. adjective

   with no protection or shield
   “the exposed northeast frontier”

   synonyms: open

   unprotected

   lacking protection or defense
2. adjective

   not covered with clothing
   synonyms: uncovered

   unclothed

   not wearing clothing