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

Arday has previously denied any deliberate wrongdoing, describing mistakes in his academic work as unintentional and arguing that much of the criticism amounts to an ideologically and racially motivated campaign against him. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Manslaughter is, generally, an unlawful killing that was unintentional. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Nationwide, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, according to the CDC. — Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026

But the unintentional fake out showed just how eager the Bronx faithful is to see Lombard in the big leagues. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 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