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

Example Sentences

“To the extent he inadvertently incurs exposure to those industries through third-party managers or liquid legacy investments, Tom will donate all profits to charity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

After years of refusing to embrace wearable fitness trackers, Pamela Paul discovered she’d already inadvertently succumbed—she had an iPhone and therefore a fitness app; its built-in ring was lying in wait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

At the time, many wondered whether Bondi might have inadvertently top-ticked the market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Israeli officials are keen to emphasise that the two countries are in lockstep, even if they occasionally, inadvertently, hint at gaps.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

I’d inadvertently signed up for a 300-level theology class as a freshman and floundered my way through, ultimately salvaging my grade with an eleventh-hour, leave-it-all-on-the-field effort on the final paper.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly