accidentally
/ˌæk.sɪˈdɛnt(ə)li/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
Adverb
Examples
He discovered penicillin largely accidentally.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Unintentionally.
Adverb
Examples
He accidentally exposed the bacteria to mold spores.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “accidentally” mean?
In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.
Is “accidentally” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.