What does incidental mean?
“Incidental” describes something that happens as a minor or secondary consequence, or that occurs without being planned or connected with the main purpose of an activity. For example, a stain on a shirt might be incidental damage, while incidental expenses are small costs arising alongside a main purchase or journey. The word is especially useful in legal, financial, academic, and professional contexts because it distinguishes peripheral matters from those that are central or intended. It can also suggest that something occurred by chance. “Accidental” is a close alternative, but “incidental” more often emphasizes secondary importance, while “accidental” focuses directly on the lack of intention.
adjectiveHappening as a minor or secondary consequence of something else, rather than as its main purpose or result. It can also mean occurring by chance or without being planned.
- Happening as a secondary or minor consequence of an action or event.
- Occurring without being planned, intended, or relevant to the main purpose.
- Happening by chance or as a result of an unforeseen circumstance.
"The photographs are useful for identifying incidental damage to the building, but they are not a formal record of its condition."
"Some noise from the crowd was incidental to the ceremony."
"The report contains several incidental observations that are interesting but not essential to the argument."
From the Latin for “falling upon” or “happening,” incidental began by describing what came about by chance before becoming a useful word for minor consequences.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incidental come from?
The word comes ultimately from Latin incidere, meaning “to happen” or “to fall upon,” through the Latin adjective incidentalis, meaning “happening as a result” or “occurring by chance.” English began using it in the late 16th century for matters that happened as a result of something else or were not deliberately intended. Its modern use extends naturally to secondary consequences, minor expenses, and details that are not central to the main subject.
Related word forms
How incidental is actually used
The word is common in formal and professional contexts, especially when describing minor damage, expenses, findings, or matters connected with a larger activity. It is usually less direct and more neutral than “accidental,” and it often implies that the thing mentioned is secondary rather than central.
Easily confused with incidental
Both describe something unintended, but “incidental” often emphasizes a secondary or minor consequence, whereas “accidental” more directly stresses that the event was not intended.