unintended

adjective

un·​in·​tend·​ed ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd How to pronounce unintended (audio)
: not planned as a purpose or goal : not deliberate or intended
an unintended consequence/effect
an unintended pregnancy

Examples of unintended in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What’s more is that the Biden tax credit could have the unintended consequence of opening up more small homes for baby boomers looking to downsize during the next few years, since the same starter homes that the household-forming fortysomethings want are also ideal for downsizing grandparents. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 Policies such as export controls and outbound investment restrictions have unintended consequences and will work only for a limited time. Jami Miscik, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2024 Simply premiering at the festival can bring about unintended consequences for some films. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 But discounts may have an unintended effect on consumers, who are now holding off on purchases in hope of getting a further discount, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 7 Mar. 2024 The information may reveal unintended cultural practices within the organization and communication challenges in the team dynamics. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 But clothing that is appropriate in a gym or dance competition may take on an unintended meaning when shared online. Michael H. Keller, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Brocklebank’s research shows another unintended consequence of the tax hike. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Democrats were at odds over whether the bill would have unintended consequences by also criminalizing the victims. Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unintended.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unintended was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near unintended

Cite this Entry

“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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