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Synonyms

unintentional

American  
[uhn-in-ten-shuh-nl] / ˌʌn ɪnˈtɛn ʃə nl /

adjective

  1. not intentional or deliberate.

    an unintentional omission from the list.

    Synonyms:
    inadvertent, accidental
    Antonyms:
    planned, intentional

unintentional British  
/ ˌʌnɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

  1. not deliberate; accidental

    the killing had been unintentional

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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 The Wall Street Journal

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