# accident of birth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/accident-of-birth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A fact, situation, or personal characteristic, which may be desirable or undesirable, resulting from the circumstances into which a person was born, and which is therefore entirely beyond their control.

## Examples

- His wealth is just an accident of birth.
- She realized that her access to quality education was largely an accident of birth rather than a result of her own hard work.
- The philosopher argued that one's social status is often merely an accident of birth, challenging the idea that success is solely a product of individual merit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.