# unintended

/ˌənɪnˈtɛndɪd/ (US) · /ˌʌnɪntˈɛndɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unintended
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

happening by accident rather than on purpose. You use this to describe results or effects that you did not plan for.

For teachers: not planned or meant to happen; occurring without deliberate intent. Often used to describe secondary consequences or side effects.

## Examples

- The new law had several unintended effects on the economy.
- While the software update fixed the security bug, it caused an unintended crash in the messaging system.
- Economists often study the unintended consequences of policy changes, where a well-meaning intervention in one sector inadvertently creates a crisis in another due to complex market interdependencies.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'consequences', 'effects', or 'results'.

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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.