accident
noun (countable)
UKˈæk.sɪ.dəntUSˈæk.sə.dənt
an unexpected event that often results in damage, injury, or unfortunate outcomes; something that happens unintentionally
Example Sentences
The car accident caused a traffic jam on the motorway.
She broke her wrist in a skiing accident last winter.
Accidents in the workplace can be reduced by following proper safety guidelines.
He apologized for the spilled coffee, explaining that it was a complete accident.
The official report concluded that the fire was caused by an electrical accident.
Because of the accident, local authorities decided to install more warning signs on the road.
In an attempt to prevent future accidents, the construction site implemented stricter rules and mandatory safety training, ensuring that all employees understood the risks involved.
Many scientific discoveries throughout history have been made by accident, demonstrating that unplanned observations can sometimes lead to groundbreaking insights.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An unplanned event causing damage, disruption, or unexpected consequences.In everyday usage, “accident” refers to an unexpected or unintentional event that often results in harm, injury, or inconvenience. As a noun, it can describe anything from minor mishaps—like spilling a drink—to more serious incidents, such as traffic collisions or workplace injuries. The term is particularly common in legal, insurance, and medical contexts, where an accident may trigger investigations, liability concerns, or claims for compensation.When discussing accidents, clarity about the circumstances can help readers or listeners understand what happened and why. For instance, a “car accident” implies a crash involving vehicles, while an “industrial accident” involves workplace machinery or processes. In more informal contexts, you might simply say something was “an accident” to convey that there was no ill intent. This helps differentiate deliberate acts from unintended outcomes.Writers often use “accident” to highlight the role of chance or unpredictability in human affairs. You might encounter phrases like “happy accident” to describe a mistake that led to a surprisingly positive outcome, underscoring the idea that not all accidents are harmful. Contextual details—like location, severity, and aftermath—bring depth to any narrative involving an accident, helping readers grasp the significance of the event.When using this word, consider the emotional weight it can carry. Large-scale accidents can involve trauma, loss of life, or lasting repercussions. Smaller mishaps might be easily brushed off. Adjust your tone to match the gravity of the situation you’re describing. Whether you’re writing a news article, telling a personal story, or drafting a policy document, specifying who was affected and how the accident unfolded can add clarity and empathy to your account.
Alternatives
When seeking alternatives or related terms, consider the context and the degree of severity. In casual speech, words like “mishap,” “blunder,” or “slip-up” can soften the sense of seriousness, implying something minor or easily corrected. These words come in handy when describing small mistakes or incidents that don’t involve significant harm. If the event is more impactful—like a multi-car pileup—terms such as “incident,” “occurrence,” or “collision” might be more appropriate.In legal or formal discussions, “unintentional event” or “unforeseen circumstance” can lend precision, particularly if you’re describing the nature of liability or responsibility. “Misfortune” adds a layer of empathy or tragedy, highlighting the unfortunate aspect of the event but not necessarily implying fault. Meanwhile, “catastrophe” or “disaster” indicates a large-scale negative outcome, emphasizing scope and damage.For those instances in storytelling or personal narratives where you want to show a lucky twist, “fortuitous accident” or “happy accident” highlights the idea that something beneficial emerged from an unexpected slip. If focusing on accountability—especially when no single person is clearly at fault—phrases like “no-fault incident” can help clarify that the accident arose from circumstances beyond anyone’s control. By choosing your term carefully, you set the tone, indicate the level of seriousness, and guide your audience’s emotional response to the incident.
Writing
When incorporating the word “accident” into your writing, clarity and context are crucial. First, determine how serious or consequential the event is. If you’re describing a life-altering scenario—a factory explosion or a serious car crash—indicate the severity, possible causes, and repercussions. On the other hand, if you’re depicting a less critical slip or spill, you can use a lighter tone and smaller-scale details. This helps readers grasp the scope and emotional weight.In narrative writing, accidents often serve as pivotal plot points that spur character development or change the course of events. Provide sensory details: the sound of crunching metal, the smell of smoke, or the rush of adrenaline. These vivid descriptions help readers experience the gravity of the moment. In nonfiction or academic contexts, you might cite statistics or studies on accident prevention, linking the event to broader trends or policies.Adjust the language to match your purpose. A personal essay may explore the emotional aftermath, focusing on guilt, relief, or reflection. A technical report might analyze root causes, referencing safety protocols or mechanical failures. In journalistic pieces, specificity—time, location, and parties involved—ensures accuracy. Always consider your audience’s familiarity with the topic: too much jargon can obscure the central message, while too little detail may leave readers wondering what truly happened. Striking a balance between accessible language and thorough explanation helps convey why the accident matters and what lessons can be drawn from it.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you’d typically use “accident” to describe smaller incidents or unforeseen outcomes—like knocking over a glass or forgetting an appointment. You might say, “Oops, that was an accident,” to clarify that you didn’t mean to do something. This casual usage helps keep misunderstandings at bay, emphasizing that no harm was intended.If you’re talking with friends or family, you might recount minor mishaps humorously, pointing out how life is filled with little, unforeseen moments. Casual talk also lends itself to the phrase “happy accident,” referring to mistakes that turn out surprisingly well—like discovering a new recipe by messing up the ingredients. Using the word this way can bring a lighthearted twist to your story, showing resilience or adaptability in daily life.When more serious accidents occur, friends and loved ones typically shift to empathy and concern. A casual conversation might include phrases like, “I heard about your car accident—are you okay?” This underscores care and support. In general, keep the tone respectful if the accident caused significant distress or damage. Just because the setting is casual doesn’t mean the topic is light. By being mindful of the severity, you show empathy for those involved while still communicating in a relaxed, friendly way.
Etymology
The word “accident” derives from the Latin “accidens” (present participle of “accidere”), meaning “to fall upon,” “happen,” or “befall.” In classical texts, it carried the sense of an event that occurs unexpectedly or by chance. Over centuries, medieval scholars used it in philosophical and theological contexts to distinguish between essential qualities and accidental qualities—those that simply ‘happen’ to a subject but don’t define its essence.As English evolved, “accident” retained this notion of randomness or lack of deliberate intention. By the 14th and 15th centuries, it had come to signify unforeseen events, often with negative implications—like mischance or misfortune. Its legal and insurance connotations emerged alongside the growth of modern industry and transport, when new forms of risk and liability arose. Today, “accident” is woven into everyday language, from mundane slips to catastrophic disasters, reflecting the universal unpredictability inherent in human life. The root idea remains largely unchanged: something that ‘befalls’ unexpectedly, shaping narratives of chance, error, and consequence in human experience.
