adjective
Common
exposed
ihk-SPOHZD
Exposed (adjective) means Left open, unprotected, or vulnerable, often to weather, danger, or view. Example: “The hikers were caught on an exposed ridge when the storm hit.”
adjective
1
Left open, unprotected, or vulnerable, often to weather, danger, or view.
"The bike chain is open and exposed to tough environmental conditions such as temperature changes, humidity, rain, dirt and road salt."
"The hikers were caught on an exposed ridge when the storm hit."
"Her secret finally left her feeling exposed and embarrassed."
"exposed to light; exposed to water; exposed to abuse; exposed to danger"
"The farmhouse stood on an exposed hillside with no trees to shelter it."
How to use exposed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot covered or protected — out in the open, whether physically or emotionally.
Common pairings
feel exposed
exposed to the elements
an exposed position
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The hikers were caught on an _____ ridge when the storm hit.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for exposed
posed
hosed
closed
opposed
supposed
disposed
enclosed
proposed
composed
disclosed
unopposed
indisposed
See all rhymes for exposed →
Frequently asked questions
What does “exposed” mean?
The word “exposed” means left open, unprotected, or vulnerable, often to weather, danger, or view. In plain terms, not covered or protected — out in the open, whether physically or emotionally.
How do you pronounce “exposed”?
“Exposed” is pronounced ihk-SPOHZD (/ɪkˈspoʊzd/ in IPA).
How do you use “exposed” in a sentence?
Here is “exposed” used in a sentence: “The hikers were caught on an exposed ridge when the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “exposed”?
“Exposed” is an adjective.
Is “exposed” a common word?
“Exposed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between exposed and vulnerable?
Exposed means left open and unprotected, physically or otherwise, so that weather, danger, or view can reach something. Vulnerable means capable of being harmed. The two overlap closely: being exposed often makes you vulnerable. But exposed stresses the lack of cover or shelter, while vulnerable stresses the potential to be hurt as a result.
What is the opposite of exposed?
The opposite is protected, sheltered, or covered, describing something shielded from weather, danger, or view. An exposed hillside is open to the wind; a sheltered one is guarded from it. Words like concealed and hidden are opposites in the sense of being out of sight, while safe contrasts with being open to danger.
What is an example of something exposed?
An exposed cliff-top is open to wind and rain with no shelter. Exposed wiring is left uncovered and unsafe. An exposed position in a game or negotiation leaves you open to attack. In each case, something is unprotected and open to weather, danger, or view rather than shielded from it.
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