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Synonyms

unintentionally

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

adverb

  1. not deliberately or on purpose.

    Properly restricting file sharing will help the user avoid unintentionally granting access to unknown parties.

Etymology

Origin of unintentionally

unintentional ( def. ) + -ly

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.

"When people don't know what you are going through, things can be said or done unintentionally that may trigger you," Elena says.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Based on the results, the researchers believe smartphone use may unintentionally extend the time people spend sitting on the toilet.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

“When you intentionally or unintentionally step away from household finances, you don’t realize right away that you’re losing agency and options, but over time you start to feel it,” Heather says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Stephen Colletti innocently slicing turkey and unintentionally sparking one of the most wild crashouts in “Traitors” history.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

“Sure I like children. But they got to be my own and not some other bum’s,” he answered, unintentionally insulting himself.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

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.