What does intentional mean?
Intentional means that something was done deliberately, with a conscious intention rather than by chance. It describes actions, decisions, omissions, and sometimes states of affairs in which the person involved knew what they were doing and meant to bring about the result. The word is common in legal, workplace, educational, and everyday contexts: intentional damage, an intentional omission, and an intentional violation all carry the basic sense of purposefulness. It generally has a neutral tone, but it can imply responsibility or blame when used of harm, deception, or rule-breaking. “Intentional” is often more emphatic than “planned,” because it points to the mental intention behind an act. It should not be used simply to mean deliberate in the sense of careful or unhurried.
adjectiveDone deliberately or on purpose, with a conscious intention. Involves an action, decision, or omission that was planned or chosen rather than accidental.
- Done deliberately, on purpose, or as the result of conscious intention.
"The omission of the final paragraph was intentional, not an oversight."
"The warning signs were intentionally placed where drivers could easily see them."
"Her silence during the interview seemed intentional, as if she were carefully choosing her words."
Calling something intentional separates a decision from a disaster: the difference may be a single moment of thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intentional come from?
The word comes from Latin intentionalis, meaning “intentional” or “purposive,” formed from intendere, “to stretch out” or “to aim.” The English form developed through French in the late Middle English period, initially associated with intention and then becoming established as an adjective. Related English forms include intent, intention, intentionally, and intentionality, all reflecting the same idea of directing an action toward a chosen purpose.
Related word forms
How intentional is actually used
Neutral in register, though it can have a negative connotation when describing harm, deception, or disregard for rules. In legal and technical contexts, it emphasizes conscious purpose rather than mere foreseeability.
Easily confused with intentional
An intentional action is planned or chosen, whereas an accidental one results from chance or unintended circumstances.
Both words mean done on purpose, though deliberate can also describe a careful, unhurried approach to an action.