inadvertent

[ in-uhd-vur-tnt ]

adjective

1. unintentional:

   an inadvertent insult.

2. not attentive; heedless.

   Synonyms: inattentive

3. of, relating to, or characterized by lack of attention.

   Synonyms: negligent, careless, thoughtless

inadvertent

/ ˌɪnədˈvɜːtənt /

adjective

1. failing to act carefully or considerately; inattentive
2. resulting from heedless action; unintentional

Derived Forms

• ˌinadˈvertently, adverb

Other Words From

• in·ad·vert·ent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inadvertent¹

First recorded in 1645–55; abstracted from inadvertence, inadvertency

Example Sentences

While most of the anonymous officers suing the city claimed they were working undercover assignments at the time of the “inadvertent release,” according to Corea, they failed to specify the dates or durations of their assignments.

From Los Angeles Times

Since 2023, the Red Cross says it has helped close to 400 victims of inadvertent explosions - 80% of them children.

From BBC

Calloway's decision angered and entertained people, which seems to have been her inadvertent intention.

From Salon

A Treasury minister's failure to register a London rental property has been deemed as "inadvertent" by the parliamentary commissioner for standards.

From BBC

A Labour spokesperson said: “Tulip has apologised for the late registrations, which the parliamentary commissioner for standards accepted were inadvertent and offered to rectify without referring to the committee on standards.”

From BBC

Related Words

• careless
• reckless
• unintended
• unintentional
• unwitting