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.

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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

Early in their 1978 film debut, “Up in Smoke,” comedy duo Cheech & Chong inadvertently expose a bit of systemic corruption.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

“The notion that they inadvertently failed to add reports to this case is just not compelling to this court. This is something that should have been looked at and it wasn’t.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

At the time, many wondered whether Bondi might have inadvertently top-ticked the market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Two years ago a small independent shop in Sanday - one of Orkney's north isles - inadvertently ordered 720 Easter Eggs, rather than the 80 the owner wanted.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Remembering the delectable meal the fisher had inadvertently provided for him, the young dog determined to repeat it.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

Related Words

• negligently
• recklessly