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

• 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

When Novak Djokovic performed the unintentional splits against Flavio Cobolli on match point in his Wimbledon quarterfinal, the All England Club executives must have been wincing as the crowd held their breath. —Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

What at first seemed to be unintentional delays by Lynk on the paperwork then turned to intentional foot dragging after a new Lynk CEO was named in November, according to the court document. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025

Any resemblance to actual places, events or persons - living or deceased - is purely coincidental and unintentional. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Most types of lighters are allowed on carry-on bags, but passengers have to take steps to prevent unintentional activation. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 8 July 2025

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