unintended

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An unintended consequence of the rule in recent years was that countries that were late in paying, or didn’t pay at all, would get refunds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

If shelterbelts reduce habitat quality for grassland and wetland birds, conservation efforts intended to increase biodiversity could have unintended consequences.

From Science Daily • Jun. 22, 2026

Changing the color of the basin from gray to navy blue may have had the unintended effect of making the water warmer, which can further spur algae growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

The plans have been widely welcomed by the housing sector, although some have raised concerns about unintended consequences - such as properties taking longer to get onto the market as paperwork is prepared.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

And it’s not like Toby didn’t know skipping school with a woman he barely knew could bring unintended consequences.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss