inadvertently

[ in-uhd-vur-tnt-lee ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inadvertently¹

inadvertent ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The latest filings mark a sharp shift in tone from the city, which sued in April 2023 seeking the “return of these inadvertently produced photos to protect the lives and work of these undercover officers.”

From Los Angeles Times

Critics warn that removing taxes on tips could inadvertently reduce transparency and make it harder to track fair wage practices, potentially leading to an increase in wage theft — a problem that already disproportionately affects tipped workers.

From Salon

The success of Koch’s approach inadvertently led to the United States' most fertile breeding ground for punters being on the other side of the world.

From BBC

It said individuals from less well-off backgrounds were being "inadvertently or deliberately shamed by more privileged students".

From BBC

Chari XCX isn't the only celebrity to inadvertently become a so-called cigfluencer.

From BBC

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly