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.
But there are worries that wiping out mosquitoes could have unintended consequences for ecosystems - for example by removing a food source for birds and bats. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 July 2025 Republicans are treading carefully, amid warnings that the controversial move – lumping reliably red voters into Democratic districts in order to shift election outcomes – could come with the unintended consequence of endangering incumbents in formerly safe districts. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 22 July 2025 For many Minnesota businesses, however, concerns remain — not just about higher taxes, but about implementation and unintended consequences. Patrick Knight, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025 Coffee isn't a long-term solution for constipation, and relying on it for regular bowel movements may have unintended consequences. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 21 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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