Not adequately protected in dry river (8)
I believe the answer is:
insecure
'not adequately protected' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in dry river' is the wordplay.
'dry' becomes 'sec' (similar in meaning).
'river' becomes 'ure' (river in Yorkshire).
'in'+'sec'+'ure'='INSECURE'
(Other definitions for insecure that I've seen before include "safe? Hardly" , "exposed to danger" , "Lacking self-confidence or assurance" , "Fearful, unsafe." , "Sinecure for those lacking in confidence" .)