Unintentional Meaning in English

word

US

ˌənɪnˈtɛnʃənəɫ

uhn-in-TEN-shuh-nuhl

UK

ˌʌnɪntˈɛnʃənəl

un-in-TEN-shuh-nuhl

Definition

Something that is unintentional is done by accident and not on purpose; it was not planned or meant to happen.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly modifies nouns like 'mistake' or 'consequence'. Strongly contrasts with 'intentional', which means done on purpose. Avoid using with verbs; it usually describes actions, results, or effects.

• Spanish: involuntario - no intencionado
• Portuguese (BR): não intencional - involuntário
• Portuguese (PT): não intencional - involuntário
• Chinese (Simplified): 无意的 - 非故意的
• Chinese (Traditional): 無意的 - 非故意的
• Hindi: अनजाना - अनपेक्षित
• Arabic: غير مقصود - غير متعمد
• Bengali: অজান্তে - অনিচ্ছাকৃত
• Russian: неумышленный - непреднамеренный
• Japanese: 意図しない - 偶然の
• Vietnamese: không cố ý - vô tình
• Korean: 의도하지 않은 - 무심코
• Turkish: istemeden yapılan - kasıtsız
• Urdu: غیر ارادی - غیر دانستہ
• Indonesian: tidak sengaja - tanpa sengaja

Example Sentences

It was an unintentional error on the report.

basic

Sometimes people say things that are unintentional.

basic

The damage was unintentional but serious.

basic

His unintentional joke made everyone laugh.

natural

There were some unintentional consequences to their decision.

natural

My comment was unintentional—I didn’t mean to offend you.

natural