unintentional
/'ʌnin'tenʃənl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not done with purpose or intent: Describes an action, event, or outcome that was not planned, intended, or deliberate. It happens by accident or without conscious thought.
- Without deliberate intent: Emphasizes the absence of a conscious decision or will to cause a specific result.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The offense was unintentional; he simply didn't see the sign.
- She made an unintentional pun that made everyone laugh.
- The damage to the book was completely unintentional.
Advanced Usage
- Legal/Formal Context: Used to describe actions lacking (a guilty mind), which can affect liability.
- The court ruled it was unintentional manslaughter.
- In Contrast to "Intentional": Often used to clarify that a potentially negative outcome was an accident.
- I assure you, the omission was unintentional and we will correct it immediately.
Variants and Related Words
- Unintentionally (adverb): In an unintentional manner.
- He unintentionally offended her with his comment.
- Unintended (adjective): Not planned or meant. (Note: Often used interchangeably with "unintentional," but can sometimes refer to outcomes rather than actions).
- The policy had several unintended consequences.
Synonyms
- Accidental: Happening by chance or accident.
- Inadvertent: Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning, often due to carelessness.
- Unwitting: Not aware of the full facts; not done knowingly.
- Involuntary: Done without conscious control or intention.
Antonyms
- Intentional: Done on purpose; deliberate.
- Deliberate: Done consciously and intentionally.
- Willful: Intentional and stubborn.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- (An) honest mistake: A phrase used to describe an unintentional error made without deceit.
- I'm sorry for the confusion; it was an honest mistake.
- By accident: Happening without intention.
- I found the old letters by accident while cleaning the attic.
Adjective
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not done with purpose or intent
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an unintended slight
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an unintentional pun
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the offense was unintentional
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an unwitting mistake may be overlooked
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without deliberate intent
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my heart with unwilled love grew warm- George Macdonald
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