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
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
Just as people instinctively adjust their touch when another person pulls away, visible feedback from machines could help guide behavior and reduce unintentional damage.
—
New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
From 2016-23, there were 3,631 fatal unintentional drowning cases in California, according to data from the state’s Public Health Department.
—Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
This is likely the result of a decline in deaths from COVID, unintentional injuries like drug overdoses, heart disease and cancer, the data suggests.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
From 2020 to 2023, participation waxed and waned, and the group reexamined their association, experimenting with new models of collectivity, and correcting their unintentional gender bias.
—Catherine Taft, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
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New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
From 2016-23, there were 3,631 fatal unintentional drowning cases in California, according to data from the state’s Public Health Department.
—Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
This is likely the result of a decline in deaths from COVID, unintentional injuries like drug overdoses, heart disease and cancer, the data suggests.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
From 2020 to 2023, participation waxed and waned, and the group reexamined their association, experimenting with new models of collectivity, and correcting their unintentional gender bias.
—Catherine Taft, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintentional. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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