Skip to main content
unprotective

unprotective

6.8
Not keeping someone or something safe from harm
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnprəˈtɛktɪv/
translation icon : no protector
  • Many sunglasses are stylish but completely unprotective against UV rays.

Examples

  • The fabric proved to be unprotective against both cold and rain.

  • She criticized her boss for being unprotective in the face of harassment.

  • This is unprotective!

  • Don't be unprotective!

  • Many sunglasses are stylish but completely unprotective against UV rays.

  • The fabric proved to be unprotective against both cold and rain.

  • She criticized her boss for being unprotective in the face of harassment.

Synonyms

nonprotective
vsunprotective
6.0

Not able to keep something safe from damage

focuses on failing to guard or shield from harm

Antonyms

346 3.8

Made to protect against attack or harm

163 2.4

Made to keep a person or thing safe from harm

How Protective

protective
99 2.0
unprotective
6.8
neglectful
8 4.4

Surface Forms

unprotective positive

Morphology

unprotective = protective (transparent) = un + protect + ive

Formed by negating the adjective 'protective' (itself clearly from 'protect' + '-ive'), so the meaning 'not protective' is directly derivable.

Etymology

Unprotective is made of un- meaning 'not' and protective, from protect which means 'to cover or guard'. So, unprotective describes something that is 'not providing protection', for example a coat or material that does not keep out rain or cold.