inadvertently

American  

[in-uhd-vur-tnt-lee] / ˌɪn ədˈvɜr tnt li /

adverb

1. unintentionally; without meaning to.

   I apologize to anyone I have inadvertently left off this list.

2. through lack of attention; without anyone noticing.

   There is the potential for one set of rules to inadvertently replace another.

---

Etymology

Origin of inadvertently

inadvertent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Inadvertently is an adverb that means "without knowledge or intent," like when you inadvertently take someone else's coat from the coatroom because it looks just like yours. When you do something inadvertently, you don't mean to do it — you might inadvertently step in a puddle, leave something important at home, or hurt your friend's feelings. Some things that happen inadvertently aren't mistakes, though: They happen by chance. For example, if you just happen to park your car at the exact place that blocks a bus from hitting a pedestrian, you've inadvertently saved a life.

Example Sentences

By shielding these industries from the creative destruction of global competition, Washington has inadvertently ensured that their members rank among the most vulnerable companies in the global economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

"From this tragedy, an immense irony is unfolding. Those who've fought to keep the world hooked on fossil fuels are inadvertently supercharging the global renewables boom," he said, without naming countries or companies.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“For Want of a Horse” inadvertently lends legitimacy to this line of reasoning.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Asked whether he might have inadvertently misled the Commons about what happened, he replied "no".

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Perhaps inadvertently, his message also reflected the transformation of geeks all over the world: They were suddenly the ones delivering the punch line.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly