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 goal is to harness AI to grow the economy, improve healthcare, and strengthen national security, while protecting Americans from unintended consequences. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 Jones’s perspective is shaped by working as a pharmacist across pharmacy operations and managed care, and by seeing how decisions made in one part of the ecosystem can create unintended consequences elsewhere. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 Esparza said the symptoms that raise red flags include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain. CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026 This policy change will be yet another legislative misstep that will cause unintended consequences. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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