# unintentionally

/ˌənɪnˈtɛnʃənəɫi/ (US) · /ˌʌnɪntˈɛnʃənəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

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

## Definition

by accident or without meaning to. You use this when you do something that you did not plan or intend to do.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it unintentional" but "He did it unintentionally" — Learners often use the adjective form 'unintentional' when an adverb is required to modify the verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or sits between the subject and the main verb.

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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.