Inadvertent
/ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtənt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Inadvertent describes an action or result that happens without meaning to happen. It is often used when someone makes a mistake or causes a problem without planning or wanting to do so. It means unintentional or accidental.
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See It in Action
Done without intention or plan; accidental
- •She made an inadvertent error in the report.
- •The company caused inadvertent damage to the environment during construction.
- •His comment was inadvertent but hurtful.
Happening because of lack of attention or awareness, not on purpose
- •Inadvertent leaks of information can cause problems.
- •The inadvertent omission of a name from the list was noticed later.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inadvertent" like "accidental" (A2 word), but often used in more formal or serious situations
- ✓Picture dropping a glass without meaning to, or sending a message to the wrong person by mistake
- ✓It’s the feeling when you realize you caused a problem but didn’t want to or plan to
- ✓Sounds like "in-ad-VER-tent" → imagine someone saying "I didn’t ADVERTISE (say) that on purpose" but it happened anyway
- ✓Think of a story where someone spills paint by mistake while trying to clean, not because they wanted to
- ✓NOT like "deliberate" (done on purpose), "inadvertent" means no plan or intention behind the action
- ✓NOT like "careless" (which means not paying attention), "inadvertent" can happen even if you try to be careful
- ✓NOT like "accident" (a thing that happens), "inadvertent" describes the way something is done (the action or result)
Try Other Words
- •Unintentional: not done on purpose (Use when you want to clearly say something was not planned or wanted)
- •Accidental: happening by chance or mistake (Use for everyday events or small mistakes)
- •Unplanned: not arranged or decided before (Use when emphasizing lack of planning)
- •Mistaken: wrong because of error (Use when the wrong action or idea happens)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (not) + root "advertent" (from "advert" meaning to pay attention) → meaning "not paying attention"
- •Etymology: From Latin "inadvertentem," meaning "not turning the mind to" or "not paying attention"
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe lack of attention, now means unintentional or accidental
- •Modern usage: Common in formal writing to describe mistakes or actions done without meaning or plan
Reflect & Connect
•Can an inadvertent action still cause serious problems? How should people react when this happens?
•How do you think being aware or paying attention can help avoid inadvertent mistakes in daily life?
Fill in the blanks
1.She made an inadvertent mistake because she ___ the instructions carefully.
2.The inadvertent release of the email caused ___ among the staff.
3.Unlike deliberate actions, inadvertent actions happen without ___ or planning.
4.The company apologized for the inadvertent damage it caused ___ construction work.
5.Sometimes, inadvertent errors happen even when people are trying to be ___.
6.When someone says something inadvertent, it means they did not mean to ___ anyone.
7.An inadvertent action is different from a careless one because it may happen even with ___ attention.