accident

The word “accident” means an unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it. In plain terms, something that happens unintentionally, or specifically a vehicle crash.

“Accident” is pronounced AK-sih-duhnt (/ˈæk.sə.dənt/ in IPA).

Here is “accident” used in a sentence: “It was an accident — I didn't mean to break the vase.”

Words with a similar meaning to “accident” include mishap, befalling, chance, contingency, casualty and luck.

The opposite of “accident” — its antonyms — are intention, inevitability and impossibility.

“Accident” is a noun.

The word “accident” comes from Latin. From Latin accidens, "happening," from accidere, "to fall upon" or "to occur," built from ad- ("to") plus cadere ("to fall").

“Accident” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

An incident is any event or occurrence, planned or not, and it need not be harmful. An accident is specifically unplanned and unintended, and it usually causes harm or damage. Every accident is an incident, but most incidents are not accidents — the key difference is intention and an unwanted outcome.

Many accidents can be prevented, since they often stem from carelessness, poor conditions, or human error rather than pure bad luck. Safety measures, training, and caution all reduce the risk. However, because an accident by definition happens without intent, some remain genuinely unforeseeable and cannot be avoided entirely.

Everyday examples include tripping on a loose step, spilling a drink, or a car collision at a junction. In each case the outcome was unwanted and nobody meant for it to happen. The word covers both minor mishaps and serious events, from a dropped plate to an industrial disaster.

The opposite is something done on purpose — a deliberate, intentional, or planned act. When an outcome is intended, we no longer call it an accident. This is why the phrase 'by accident' contrasts directly with 'on purpose', marking the difference between chance and conscious intention.