Word
unintentionally
Phoneticsun·in·ten·tion·al·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɪnˈtɛnʃənəɫi/
UK/ˌʌnɪntˈɛnʃənəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. by accident or without meaning to. You use this when you do something that you did not plan or intend to do.
adv. in a manner that is not deliberate or planned. Often modifies verbs related to causing harm, making mistakes, or discovering information.
Examples
“I unintentionally deleted the wrong file.”
“She unintentionally offended her host by arriving much earlier than the invitation had specified.”
“The researcher unintentionally discovered a new chemical compound while attempting to refine a completely different substance for an industrial client.”
Examples
simple
“I unintentionally deleted the wrong file.”
contextual
“She unintentionally offended her host by arriving much earlier than the invitation had specified.”
complex
“The researcher unintentionally discovered a new chemical compound while attempting to refine a completely different substance for an industrial client.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or sits between the subject and the main verb.
Pitfall
He did it unintentional
He did it unintentionally
Learners often use the adjective form 'unintentional' when an adverb is required to modify the verb.
Real-World Examples
“This background knowledge can help you gently reason with your loved one while avoiding unintentionally reinforcing the misinformation or diet culture that could be contributing to their struggle.” “Our research suggests that schools and other organizations may unintentionally amplify that mental load by directing more requests toward mothers.” “Focusing only on national interests without considering these broader relationships could unintentionally worsen instability across the global system.” “A surprising study suggests that chemicals introduced to protect the ozone layer may have unintentionally created a growing global pollution problem.” Etymology
From unintentional + -ly or un- + intentionally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unintentionally