Unintentional
ˌʌnɪnˈtɛnʃənəl
Definitions
Done without intention or deliberate planning.
ˌʌnɪnˈtɛnʃənəl
Not done on purpose or by design.
The typo was unintentional; I just didn't proofread carefully.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally knock over a vase. It's like, 'Whoops, I didn't mean to do that!' So, something unintentional is something that happens without you planning it.
👶 For kids: Something unintentional is when you do something by accident, not on purpose.
More Examples
His comment, though hurtful, was unintentional; he simply misspoke.
The damage caused was unintentional, the result of a powerful storm.
How It's Used
"The court ruled the accident was unintentional, caused by a mechanical failure, not negligence."
"I offered an unintentional insult when I didn't compliment her new hairstyle."
From 'un-' (not) + 'intentional' (deliberate), ultimately from Latin 'intendere' (to aim at). The word gained prominence in legal and philosophical contexts to describe actions or outcomes lacking conscious planning.
The term gained prominence in legal discussions from the 18th century onward, relating to negligence and culpability.
Memory tip
Think of a situation where you accidentally trip someone – it's unintentional because you didn't *intend* to do it.