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
Deaths among those ages 5 to 19 also increased in Eastern Europe, high-income North America and the Caribbean, and among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, due to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the coach’s case, however, this was totally unintentional.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
While most of the crashes, about 90%, are unintentional, Reiter said the numbers of crashes overall seem to be growing as drivers age, use mobile phones and other auto technology and get behind the wheel intoxicated or high.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The film’s chilling representation of American politics may be an unintentional departure from the novel’s more whimsical energy.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
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.
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the coach’s case, however, this was totally unintentional.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
While most of the crashes, about 90%, are unintentional, Reiter said the numbers of crashes overall seem to be growing as drivers age, use mobile phones and other auto technology and get behind the wheel intoxicated or high.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
The film’s chilling representation of American politics may be an unintentional departure from the novel’s more whimsical energy.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintentional
Cite this Entry
“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintentional. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share