unintentionally
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.
“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.”
Typically follows the verb it modifies or sits between the subject and the main verb.
Learners often use the adjective form 'unintentional' when an adverb is required to modify the verb.
“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.”
From unintentional + -ly or un- + intentionally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.