unintentional

adjective

un·​in·​ten·​tion·​al ˌən-in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unintentional (audio)
Synonyms of unintentionalnext
: not done by intention or design : not intentional
an unintentional effect
causing unintentional harm/offense
unintentionally adverb
an unintentionally offensive remark

Synonyms of unintentional

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
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.
In comparison, the United States sees more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year, the CDC said. Hali Smith march 21, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026 But, royal biographer Kitty Kelley reported, Diana’s decision to wear the choker as a headband was an unintentional one. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026 In New York City, more than 700 adults 55-84 died of unintentional drug poisonings involving opioids in 2024. Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 Blanket hogging, one-sided cocooning, temperature mismatches, and unintentional comforter hogging are among the reasons couples are embracing the same bed, separate bedding trend. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unintentional

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unintentional was in 1782

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Cite this Entry

“Unintentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintentional. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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