B1adjectivelawhealth
US/ˌæk.sɪˈden.təl/
UK/ˌæk.sɪˈden.təl/
happening by chance, not planned or intended
In context
The discovery of penicillin was largely accidental, not planned.
The fire was accidental, not deliberate, the investigators concluded.
We had an accidental meeting at the station and talked for an hour.
Words that go with accidental
adjective + noun
- accidental deathThe coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.
- accidental damageThe policy covers accidental damage to your phone.
- accidental discoveryMany inventions began as an accidental discovery.
- accidental injuryAccidental injury is common in young children.
- accidental deletionBackups protect your files from accidental deletion.
adverb + adjective
- purely accidentalTheir meeting was purely accidental.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I met him accidental.Correct: I met him accidentally.