unintended

adjective

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

Examples of unintended in a Sentence

backyard digging that resulted in unintended damage to buried phone wires a response that yielded an unintended insight into her personal character
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The full-length rerecording—now shorn of expletives—celebrates the record’s 10th anniversary (with the unintended consequence of sparking a discourse about Toledo’s ostensible religious views). Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 This creates a greater need for safeguards, transparency, failover planning and awareness of unintended downstream consequences. Ken Nizam, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 But police say the game wastes resources and could have severe unintended consequences. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 There are also legitimate concerns about unintended consequences. Brandon Tucker, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unintended

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unintended was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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