exposed
/ɪkˈspəʊzd/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈspəʊzd/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈspōzd/ (ame, mw)
exposed — adjective
- exposedpositive
- more exposedcomparative
- most exposedsuperlative
1. not protected against wind, rain, cold, or heat because there are no trees, buil
not protected against wind, rain, cold, or heat because there are no trees, buildings, or other shelters nearby
Hikers on the exposed mountain ridge took shelter behind a large rock.
exposed + location noun (ridge, coastline, hillside)
Wei planted a row of tall bushes to protect the garden from the exposed coastal winds.
The exposed farmland lost all its topsoil when heavy rain flooded the area.
Emma hung her jacket on an exposed hook on the porch where rain could reach it.
In winter the exposed northern side of the house gets covered in ice and frost.
- unsheltered
specifically without a roof or cover overhead
- unprotected
broader meaning; can also refer to non-weather dangers
- open
less specific; suggests wide, unobstructed space
用法筆記
Frequently used before nouns that describe locations — positions, ridges, hillsides, coastlines — that have no natural barrier against the weather.
常見錯誤
2. in a situation where you can easily be harmed, criticized, or affected by someth
in a situation where you can easily be harmed, criticized, or affected by something dangerous or unpleasant
The lack of a fire escape left the old hotel dangerously exposed to fire.
exposed to + [danger] — specifying the threat
Arjun felt exposed when his manager criticised his work in front of everyone.
Small businesses are often exposed to sudden changes in the cost of raw materials.
Without a good lawyer, you are exposed to many legal risks when signing a contract.
Children who live near busy roads are more exposed to air pollution from traffic.
- vulnerable
very close in meaning; perhaps more about inherent weakness than lack of protection
- susceptible
often used for illness or influence rather than attack
- at risk
phrase; suggests probability of harm rather than complete lack of protection
用法筆記
Almost always followed by "to" + a noun phrase naming the danger or negative influence. Common in formal writing about risk, business, and health.
常見錯誤
3. not covered by clothing or anything else, so that people can see what is underne
not covered by clothing or anything else, so that people can see what is underneath
Kwame cut his exposed arm on the broken glass that was lying on the ground.
exposed + body part (arm, leg, skin)
The exposed pipe under the sink started leaking water onto the kitchen floor.
Zara wore a light scarf to cover her exposed shoulders from the afternoon sun.
The earthquake left the building steel frame exposed for everyone to see.
用法筆記
Describes a body part, a surface, or a structural element that is normally hidden but has become visible. Not used for objects deliberately left uncovered (use "uncovered" instead).
常見錯誤
4. describes photographic film or a camera sensor that has been subjected to light
describes photographic film or a camera sensor that has been subjected to light so that an image can be recorded, or has been damaged by unwanted light
Tariq put the roll of exposed film into a dark bag before taking it outside.
exposed film — fixed collocation
The photographer labelled each container of exposed film with the date and location.
If you open the camera back, the exposed film will be ruined by daylight.
Hana took the roll of exposed film to a shop to have it developed into prints.
- unexposed
film that has not yet been used in a camera
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used as a modifier before "film" or "roll". The opposite is "unexposed film". Do not confuse with "developed" (which refers to the chemical process after exposure).