inadvertent

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tnt] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tnt /

adjective

1. unintentional.

   an inadvertent insult.

2. not attentive; heedless.

   Synonyms:

   inattentive

3. of, relating to, or characterized by lack of attention.

   Synonyms:

   negligent, careless, thoughtless

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inadvertent British  

/ ˌɪnədˈvɜːtənt /

adjective

1. failing to act carefully or considerately; inattentive

2. resulting from heedless action; unintentional

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Other Word Forms

• inadvertently adverb

Etymology

Origin of inadvertent

First recorded in 1645–55; abstracted from inadvertence, inadvertency

Example Sentences

Fair enough but he thinks eliminating supposedly inadvertent features of the tax code—those “loopholes” or “caverns”—would work.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, the Scottish government's independent advisers found that the breaches of the ministerial code were inadvertent and "without any deliberation or intention to mislead".

From BBC

But this shake-up had an inadvertent side effect Bravo execs may not have anticipated.

From Salon

“We feel very comfortable that this isn’t an issue with inadvertent manipulation of fuel control,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her letting agent said an oversight meant it never applied for the licence on her behalf but Reeves said she took full responsibility and apologised for the "inadvertent mistake".

From BBC

Related Words

• careless
• reckless
• unintended
• unintentional
• unwitting