# accidentality

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accidentality
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

the quality of happening by chance or without a plan. It describes things that are not meant to be or are not part of a larger pattern.

For teachers: the state or quality of occurring by chance or without intention. Often used in philosophical or artistic contexts to describe the lack of a predetermined design.

## Examples

- The artist's work is full of accidentality.
- The critic argued that the novel's success was more a result of accidentality than a well-planned marketing strategy.
- In a universe governed by entropy, the accidentality of our existence is both a profound mystery and a humbling reminder of the vast, indifferent scale of the cosmos.

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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.