unintended

adjective

un·​in·​tend·​ed ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd How to pronounce unintended (audio)
Synonyms of unintendednext
: not planned as a purpose or goal : not deliberate or intended
an unintended consequence/effect
an unintended pregnancy

Examples of unintended in a Sentence

backyard digging that resulted in unintended damage to buried phone wires a response that yielded an unintended insight into her personal character
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, overcapacity appears to be largely an unintended consequence of China’s long-standing economic growth model. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 The unintended effects of keeping survivors faceless There are good reasons for policies against naming victims. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025 The charred remains stood as a sort of unintended memorial, and despite attempts in past years, the tree didn't receive new decorations until 2024, when a surprise decorating reappeared, sparking fresh nostalgia. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025 However, the Sainte Claire Club and preservationists warned that the city’s ordinance was too broad and could open itself to unintended consequences. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unintended

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unintended was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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