unwittingly

American  

[uhn-wit-ing-lee] / ʌnˈwɪt ɪŋ li /

adverb

1. without meaning to; unintentionally.

   Users who visit infected websites could unwittingly download malware that steals information in their computers.

2. through ignorance; through lack of knowledge or awareness.

   A number of women have been unwittingly lured into this scheme by being told they were working on a very important project.

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Etymology

Origin of unwittingly

unwitting ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

It is a fitting occasion to recall how George Harrison, railing against Britain’s confiscatory tax regime, unwittingly helped create the template for this market.

From The Wall Street Journal

"If they fail - wittingly or unwittingly - then the situation will remain in the 'managed rivalry' bucket," he says.

From BBC

The nation faces some tough questions following the unwittingly hilarious performance of U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

At the crux of the case was whether Rogers knowingly attempted to advance China’s interests or was unwittingly duped into providing information to spies he thought were academics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Given its massive success, “Adolescence” clearly demonstrated that viewers don’t require over-explanation, but they will accept it, often unwittingly.

From Salon

Related Words

• accidentally
• unintentionally