exposed

adjective

ex·​posed ik-ˈspōzd 

1

: open to view

2

: not shielded or protected

also : not insulated

an exposed electric wire

Synonyms

• susceptible
• vulnerable
• sensitive
• prone

Choose the Right Synonym for exposed

liable, open, exposed, subject, prone, susceptible, sensitive mean being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse.

liable implies a possibility or probability of incurring something because of position, nature, or particular situation.

liable to get lost

open stresses a lack of barriers preventing incurrence.

a claim open to question

exposed suggests lack of protection or powers of resistance against something actually present or threatening.

exposed to infection

subject implies an openness for any reason to something that must be suffered or undergone.

all reports are subject to review

prone stresses natural tendency or propensity to incur something.

prone to delay

susceptible implies conditions existing in one's nature or individual constitution that make incurrence probable.

very susceptible to flattery

sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

unduly sensitive to criticism

Examples of exposed in a Sentence

without our immune systems we'd be exposed to all sorts of deadly infections

the exposed electrical wires were a safety hazard

Recent Examples on the Web

And in the height of summer, with an extra air conditioner pumping in the corner, the heat from the semi-exposed kitchen can make the dining room feel slightly steamy. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

There’s a good amount of pedaling and a few exposed, high-stakes areas. —Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025

Senior roles such as team leaders and lead engineers, requiring a broader skillset and the ability to deal with strategic challenges, may be less exposed. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The formal living room sports soaring ceilings lined with exposed beams, while the more casual family room is surrounded by walls of windows and topped with a skylight for even more natural light. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exposed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed