inadvertent
Done without meaning
Inadvertent describes something done without intention or awareness—an accident or oversight rather than a deliberate act: an inadvertent error, an inadvertent disclosure of classified information.
The word often softens blame, suggesting carelessness rather than malice.
An inadvertent glance is unintentional; an inadvertent insult wasn't meant to wound.
Not aware or conscious
- mistakeWrong action or decision
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- errorFault in communication
- slipMinor error or misstep
blunder · gaffe · lapse · fluke · chance · coincidental · fortuitous · serendipitous
Careless of consequences
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
- unmindfulLacking awareness or attention
- inattentiveNot paying attention
unwary · incautious · hasty · impulsive · rash · imprudent · negligent · neglectful
Not noticed or considered
- missedFailed to reach
- unnoticedNot perceived by anyone
- omissionFailure to include
- forgottenNo longer recalled
ignored · disregarded · bypassed · neglect · inattention · slip-up · misstep · blind spot
unwitting
Not aware or conscious
slip · blunder · gaffe · lapse · fluke · chance · coincidental · fortuitous · serendipitous · unforeseen
heedless
Careless of consequences
- thoughtlessShowing no consideration
- unthinkingLacking conscious thought
- unmindfulLacking awareness or attention
inattentive · unwary · incautious · hasty · impulsive · rash · imprudent · negligent · neglectful · remiss
overlooked
Not noticed or considered
forgotten · ignored · disregarded · bypassed · neglect · inattention · slip-up · misstep · blind spot · oversight
- accidentsaccident, car accident, bike accident, mishap, traffic accident
inadvertentdeliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
intentional · purposeful · intended · calculated · premeditated