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adjective Uncommon

unintended

uhn-ihn-TEHN-dihd
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Unintended (adjective) means not planned or meant to happen. Example: “The policy had several unintended consequences.”

adjective
1
Not planned or meant to happen.
"The policy had several unintended consequences."
"It was an unintended side effect of the medication."

How to use unintended

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHappened by accident, not because anyone planned it that way.

Common pairings
unintended consequences unintended effect
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The policy had several _____ consequences.

Etymology

From un- + intended.

Related words

Rhymes for unintended

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unintended” mean?
The word “unintended” means not planned or meant to happen. In plain terms, happened by accident, not because anyone planned it that way.
How do you pronounce “unintended”?
“Unintended” is pronounced uhn-ihn-TEHN-dihd (/ˌʌn.ɪnˈtɛn.dɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “unintended” in a sentence?
Here is “unintended” used in a sentence: “The policy had several unintended consequences.”
What is the opposite of “unintended”?
The opposite of “unintended” — its antonyms — is intended.
What part of speech is “unintended”?
“Unintended” is an adjective.
Is “unintended” a common word?
“Unintended” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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