unintentional
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- unintentionally adverb
Etymology
Origin of unintentional
First recorded in 1775–85; un- 1 + intentional
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is a second, diffuse—seemingly unintentional—sadness revealed by the book that is something closer to cultural or civilizational loss.
From 2016-23, there were 3,631 fatal unintentional drowning cases in California, according to data from the state’s Public Health Department.
From Los Angeles Times
Many studies have not been able to determine whether observed health improvements came from shorter eating windows, unintentional calorie reduction, or a combination of both.
From Science Daily
When we clap someone on the back, we can, however unintentional, inadvertently be thumping someone else.
From MarketWatch
"The independent report concluded that 'inappropriate behaviour' did occur, based on the fact that it had made the complainant feel uncomfortable, and regardless of whether this was intentional or unintentional," it continued.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.