adverb
Uncommon
inadvertently
Inadvertently (adverb) means By accident; without meaning to; as a result of not paying attention. Example: “She inadvertently left her phone on the train.”
adverb
1
By accident; without meaning to; as a result of not paying attention.
"She inadvertently left her phone on the train."
"The email was inadvertently sent to the whole company instead of one person."
How to use inadvertently
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something by accident or oversight, not on purpose.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "inadvertently" meaning careless on purpose — it always implies the act was unintentional.
Common pairings
inadvertently reveal
inadvertently caused
inadvertently left
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She _____ left her phone on the train.
Etymology
From inadvertent plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inadvertently
gently
recently
fluently
urgently
silently
intently
patently
decently
currently
fervently
patiently
evidently
See all rhymes for inadvertently →
Frequently asked questions
What does “inadvertently” mean?
The word “inadvertently” means by accident; without meaning to; as a result of not paying attention. In plain terms, doing something by accident or oversight, not on purpose.
How do you use “inadvertently” in a sentence?
Here is “inadvertently” used in a sentence: “She inadvertently left her phone on the train.”
What is the opposite of “inadvertently”?
The opposite of “inadvertently” — its antonyms — are advertently and advert.
What part of speech is “inadvertently”?
“Inadvertently” is an adverb.
Is “inadvertently” a common word?
“Inadvertently” is an uncommon word in modern English.
