What is a word for an action that you did but did not mean to do?

Question

So, I am reading this book called Animal Farm where this stallion named Boxer is forgets he has iron-shod hoofs and he gives this stable-lad a blow to the head, which knocked him lifeless, though he had no intention of doing so. What one word, if there is any, would describe that sort of action... one that you did not mean to do?

I'm not sure there is one word to describe such an action. But there are a few ways we talk about this. Killing the stable boy was an unintended consequence. He killed the stable boy on accident. He didn't mean to kill the stable boy. — KumaAra, Oct 12 '17 at 02:21
@KumaAram Please see this post: https://english.stackexchange.com/q/215/18655 — JLG, Oct 13 '17 at 13:38

Hot Licks · Answer 1 · 2017-10-13T16:41:42.103

4

Inadvertent: done or happening unintentionally

edited Oct 13 '17 at 16:41

answered Oct 12 '17 at 02:36

Hot Licks

27,508

Please fix the spelling. – JLG Oct 13 '17 at 13:36
@JLG - It was inadverdent. – Hot Licks Oct 13 '17 at 16:42

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 12 '17 at 16:51

0

A mishap, an accident, a contretemps.

answered Oct 12 '17 at 16:51

Hannah

1

Welcome to English Language & Usage! We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Please explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed. – NVZ Oct 12 '17 at 17:51

What is a word for an action that you did but did not mean to do?

2 Answers2