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

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

Asked whether he might have inadvertently misled the Commons about what happened, he replied "no".

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Early in their 1978 film debut, “Up in Smoke,” comedy duo Cheech & Chong inadvertently expose a bit of systemic corruption.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

“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

“That transfer should be exclusive to the client to avoid inadvertently mixing up documents,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The carrier shifts to the right at the same time I do, inadvertently blocking my path.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly