inadvertently

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tnt-lee] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tnt li /

adverb

1. unintentionally; without meaning to.

   I apologize to anyone I have inadvertently left off this list.

2. through lack of attention; without anyone noticing.

   There is the potential for one set of rules to inadvertently replace another.

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Etymology

Origin of inadvertently

inadvertent ( def. ) + -ly

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Explanation

Inadvertently is an adverb that means "without knowledge or intent," like when you inadvertently take someone else's coat from the coatroom because it looks just like yours. When you do something inadvertently, you don't mean to do it — you might inadvertently step in a puddle, leave something important at home, or hurt your friend's feelings. Some things that happen inadvertently aren't mistakes, though: They happen by chance. For example, if you just happen to park your car at the exact place that blocks a bus from hitting a pedestrian, you've inadvertently saved a life.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inadvertently

As a result, you may be inadvertently conditioning yourself to constantly monitor your Robinhood, Vanguard or Fidelity accounts.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2026

QVC noted its old bot protections might inadvertently block shopping agents.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Some local officials said they were holding back over concerns that they would inadvertently violate the rules for spending the money — and would then have to pay it back, creating significant financial risk.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

Steer clear of constant checking and tracking or intervening These may soothe you in the short term, but can inadvertently communicate to your young adult: "I am not sure you can cope without me."

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

But no: There it is, inadvertently circled by the tracing I'd made.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

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Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly

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