accident
AK-sih-duhnt
Accident (noun) means an unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it. Example: “Spilling the juice was just an accident, so nobody got angry.”
noun
1
An unplanned event, often unfortunate, that happens without anyone intending it.
"Spilling the juice was just an accident, so nobody got angry."
"It was a happy accident that we met on the same train."
"It was an accident — I didn't mean to break the vase."
2
A crash involving a vehicle or other form of transport.
"Two cars were damaged in an accident at the busy junction this morning."
"He called the police straight after the accident on the motorway."
"Traffic was backed up for miles after the accident on the freeway."
How to use accident
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that happens unintentionally, or specifically a vehicle crash.
Common pairings
car accident
by accident
accident-prone
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Word forms
- Plural
- accidents
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Spilling the juice was just an _____, so nobody got angry.
Etymology
From Latin accidens, "happening," from accidere, "to fall upon" or "to occur," built from ad- ("to") plus cadere ("to fall").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accident
See all rhymes for accident →Frequently asked questions
What does “accident” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “accident”?
“Accident” is pronounced AK-sih-duhnt (/ˈæk.sə.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “accident” in a sentence?
Here is “accident” used in a sentence: “It was an accident — I didn't mean to break the vase.”
What is another word for “accident”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accident” include mishap, befalling, chance, contingency, casualty and luck.
What is the opposite of “accident”?
The opposite of “accident” — its antonyms — are intention, inevitability and impossibility.
What part of speech is “accident”?
“Accident” is a noun.
Where does the word “accident” come from?
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").
Is “accident” a common word?
“Accident” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between an accident and an incident?
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.
Can accidents be prevented?
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.
What is an example of an accident?
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.
What is the opposite of an accident?
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.
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