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 of unintentional

• 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

Maas was quick to clarify — with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor — that the confusion was entirely unintentional. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026

Maas quickly clarified the confusion was unintentional. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

The Hinton family says on the page that Henderson's death was unintentional, and that the money will, in part, be used to Hinton's legal fees. —Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2026

In the aftermath, five people were charged in connection with his death, three with negligent homicide, or unintentional manslaughter, and two with supplying drugs. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

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