accidents

word · lemma: accident

/ˈæksədənts/
AK-suh-duhnts
/ˈæksɪdənts/
AK-si-duhnts

Definition

Events that happen unexpectedly and usually cause damage, injury, or problems. They are not planned or intended.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for traffic, work, or home incidents: 'car accident', 'work accident', 'kitchen accident'. 'By accident' means unintentionally. For small mistakes, English often prefers 'mistake' rather than 'accident'.

Example Sentences

There were two accidents on this road last week.

basic

Most accidents happen because people are not careful.

basic

Children can have accidents at home if no one watches them.

basic

Since that icy morning, they've installed better signs to prevent more accidents.

natural

The company reviewed recent accidents and changed its safety rules.

natural

We need to talk about why these accidents keep happening.

natural