unintentional

adjective

un·​in·​ten·​tion·​al ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

: not done by intention or design : not intentional

an unintentional effect

causing unintentional harm/offense

unintentionally adverb

an unintentionally offensive remark

Synonyms of unintentional

• accidental

Examples of unintentional in a Sentence

an unintentional encounter with an old classmate at the mall

an unintentional insult that nevertheless was very hurtful

Recent Examples on the Web

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 through 4, and in kids ages 5 through 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after vehicle crashes. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

This was unintentional and non-malicious, but that doesn’t matter. — Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Also noted, snoring and unintentional daytime dozing appeared to have no effect on brain aging. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

The government has aggressively pursued cases against protesters and others who have had even fleeting and unintentional physical contact with agents. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unintentional

• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• multidimensional
• unidimensional