unintended

adjective

un·​in·​tend·​ed ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd 

: not planned as a purpose or goal : not deliberate or intended

an unintended consequence/effect

an unintended pregnancy

Synonyms of unintended

• accidental

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

The same technology that is delivering extraordinary productivity is raising very real questions about access, control and unintended actions. — Mia Urman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Likewise, while some may be concerned about unintended environmental impacts of releasing mosquitoes, Vogels assures that these initiatives are contained and do not pose risks to local ecosystems. — New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026

When voters approved the county reform effort Measure G (more on that below) in November 2024, some ballot language had the unintended effect of repealing Measure J. — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The unintended effect of low-density construction, restrictive zoning, and curving roads is a staggering increase in the distance between destinations. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unintended

• apprehended
• comprehended
• condescended
• recommended
• resuspended
• unamended
• unattended
• undefended
• undescended
• unexpended
• amended
• appended