unintended
adjective
un·in·tend·ed
ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd 
: 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
However, this evolution will heighten concerns regarding accountability, reliability, and unintended escalation.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
That dynamic could have unintended social impacts if not managed carefully.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The unintended, or in some cases intended, consequences are that the do-it-yourself conspiracy platforms encourage paranoia and conspiracism.
—Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
Now, leaders of a Twin Cities school district leaders say an unintended consequence could cost them millions.
—CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintended
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
That dynamic could have unintended social impacts if not managed carefully.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
The unintended, or in some cases intended, consequences are that the do-it-yourself conspiracy platforms encourage paranoia and conspiracism.
—Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 8 May 2026
Now, leaders of a Twin Cities school district leaders say an unintended consequence could cost them millions.
—CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintended
Cite this Entry
“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
