unwittingly

[ uhn-wit-ing-lee ]

adverb

1. without meaning to; unintentionally:

   Users who visit infected websites could unwittingly download malware that steals information in their computers.

2. through ignorance; through lack of knowledge or awareness:

   A number of women have been unwittingly lured into this scheme by being told they were working on a very important project.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwittingly¹

unwitting ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In its neglect, it unwittingly allowed the floodgates of far-right rhetoric to burst open, giving a voice and platform to ideologies that once lingered in the corners of society.

From Salon

However, our investigation suggests they are still making their way onto Britain's streets because some retailers are breaching - knowingly or unwittingly - the latest restrictions on advertising and selling them.

From BBC

The inquiry, being held in London, has been called to examine the death of Ms Sturgess who was poisoned with the nerve agent which was unwittingly given to her by her boyfriend Charlie Rowley.

From BBC

She unwittingly racked up 39 fines which did not arrive until late November.

From BBC

By obtaining the health certificates from other states, The Times found consumers who unwittingly purchased expensive dogs from resellers posing as local breeders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accidentally
• unintentionally