Synonyms for

Unintended

Verb / ˌʌnɪˈntendɪd / Another word for unintended — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not planned or meant

Synonyms & similar words

intended accidental unplanned inadvertent unexpected unforeseen unintentional unplanned undesigned unpurposed unmeant unpremeditated unstudied unwitting casual chance incidental random fortuitous serendipitous unlooked-for

Synonyms by register

Formal

inadvertent unforeseen unanticipated accidental

Informal

accidental by chance out of the blue no biggie

Literary

hapless fortuitous chance

Antonyms

intended planned deliberate purposeful conscious willed designed

Common collocations

  • unintended consequences
  • unintended side effects
  • unintended consequences of
  • unintended harm
  • unintended loss
  • unintended pregnancy
  • unintended use

Word family

noun intent
verb intend
adjective intended
adverb intending

Usage note

Often used to describe negative outcomes that were not planned. While 'accidental' can be a synonym, 'unintended' often implies a lack of foresight rather than pure chance.

Example sentences

  1. The broken vase was an unintended consequence of playing ball inside the house.
  2. The teacher's unintended joke made the students laugh.
  3. The unintended consequences of littering can harm the environment.
  4. The unintended side effect of the medicine caused drowsiness.
  5. The unintended result of the experiment was a pleasant surprise.

Quotes

  • Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.
  • I think that the greatest gift God ever gave man is not the gift of sight but the gift of vision.
  • The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

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