unintended
adjective
un·in·tend·ed
ˌən-in-ˈten-dəd 
: 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
As reproductive technology continues to advance and global mobility increases, this case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the unintended consequences that can arise when regulation and oversight fail to keep pace with scientific advances.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
By opening the door to parole for such a wide range of violent offenders, SB 672 unleashes a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences.
—Brian W Jones, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and have unintended consequences.
—Luca Carmignani, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Joann’s disappearance also has, perhaps, an unintended consequence: the loss of yet another outlet for building customs and community, at a time when society could benefit from having more of both.
—Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintended
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.
William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
By opening the door to parole for such a wide range of violent offenders, SB 672 unleashes a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences.
—Brian W Jones, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and have unintended consequences.
—Luca Carmignani, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Joann’s disappearance also has, perhaps, an unintended consequence: the loss of yet another outlet for building customs and community, at a time when society could benefit from having more of both.
—Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unintended
Cite this Entry
“Unintended.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unintended. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share