unintended

adjective

un·​in·​tend·​ed ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd How to pronounce unintended (audio)
: not planned as a purpose or goal : not deliberate or intended
an unintended consequence/effect
an unintended pregnancy

Examples of unintended in a Sentence

backyard digging that resulted in unintended damage to buried phone wires a response that yielded an unintended insight into her personal character
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.
Disturbing the deep ocean floor could have rippling unintended consequences on many species. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024 Washington and its notorious law of unintended consequences got us into this pickle. Sally C. Pipes, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 It can be seen as a poster child for unintended consequences. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 And the ex-American could also face unintended consequences, lawyers say—like not being allowed to even visit the U.S. ever again. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unintended 

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unintended was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near unintended

Cite this Entry

“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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