intentional

American  

[in-ten-shuh-nl] / ɪnˈtɛn ʃə nl /

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended.

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms:

   planned, designed

   Antonyms:

   accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.

   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

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intentional British  

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

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Related Words

See deliberate.

Other Word Forms

• intentionality
  noun
• intentionally
  adverb
• subintentional
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of intentional

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Explanation

Something intentional was done on purpose. If a crime was intentional, it was no accident. If you bump into your little brother in the hallway because you weren't paying attention, it's unintentional. But if wait for him to walk by and then stick out your foot to trip him, it's intentional. And not very nice. Usually we let people off the hook if they do something bad accidentally. But if your evil doings are premeditated, consciously planned, or otherwise intentional, no one will take much pity on you.

Example Sentences

It does not say that denial must be intentional in the narrow sense the court now prefers.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

Financial experts say building intentional saving and spending habits early can go a long way toward long-term financial success.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Brewer said the Callais ruling’s emphasis on intentional discrimination strengthens his claim for access to emails, meeting recordings and other evidence that could show intent.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

If the NBA issued intentional walks, they’d put Oklahoma City on base and save the Thunder fans’ voices for later in the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Every slip of the mind, intentional or not, left my head a jumble of thoughts and images, words and pain.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

Related Words

• calculated
• premeditated
• voluntary
• willful