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

Synonyms of unintended

• accidental

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

The report said the company was strengthening its research infrastructure, increasing monitoring and improving safeguards designed to prevent harmful or unintended behavior. — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

The initial concern driving the passage of Pueblo’s ban was syringe litter, but our study suggests that restrictions on harm reduction services may have significant unintended consequences that hinder community public health efforts. — Paul Christine, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Medical treatments being marketed to firefighters should be evaluated and tested to make sure there are no unintended consequences, DeCrane said. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

The laws often have the best intentions, but unintended consequences come from these things. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unintended

• apprehended
• comprehended
• condescended
• recommended
• resuspended
• unamended
• unattended
• undefended
• undescended
• unexpended
• amended
• appended