unintended

adjective

un·​in·​tend·​ed ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd How to pronounce unintended (audio)
: 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.
Nevertheless, investors are now on guard against the risks that could come from any unintended consequences from sour loans. Sarah Min, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025 These mandates, which sound somewhat feasible and defensible on paper, may have unintended consequences in practice. Kevin Frazier, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025 The court was considering whether the murder suspect’s right to defend himself against the imminent danger posed by Sanchez excuses the deadly shooting of Tran, an unintended victim. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 The change could also have unintended consequences for workers and customers. Vivek Astvansh, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2025 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 24 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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