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

Generally coyotes pose little threat to humans unless they have been habituated through intentional or unintentional feeding. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

At the same time, the organization conceded that traces of unintentional PFAS contamination are treated differently from intentional use. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Melvin then attempted to pivot away from the unintentional name-calling by mentioning Posey’s potential involvement in the upcoming horror film, Sleepover. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Oct. 2026

Whether intentional or unintentional, the creation of new space debris by future space missions must be minimized as much as possible. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 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