accident

An event in which a vehicle hits something or crashes, causing damage or injury.

• There was a car accident outside.
• Two buses were involved in the accident.
• Did anyone get hurt in yesterday’s traffic accident?

Similar words: crash, collision

Common phrases: car accident, traffic accident, road accident

Something that happens without being planned or intended.

• I broke it by accident.
• We met by accident at the market.
• Finding the old photo was a happy accident.

How to use it: by accident (I opened your letter by accident.)

Similar words: chance, coincidence

Common phrases: by accident, pure accident, complete accident

An unexpected event that causes harm or damage without anyone intending it.

• She had an accident at work.
• The child burned his hand in a kitchen accident.
• Safety training helps prevent accidents in the factory.

Similar words: mishap

Common phrases: serious accident, workplace accident, prevent an accident

A feature or fact that exists by chance or is not essential to what something is.

• His wealth was an accident of birth.
• The philosopher called physical beauty an accident.
• Their shared language is a historical accident rather than a necessary connection.

Similar words: contingency

Common phrases: accident of birth, historical accident, mere accident

Describing a vehicle that was involved in a crash.

• The accident aircraft had two engines.
• Investigators examined the accident vehicle’s brakes.
• The accident helicopter had been repaired the previous week.

Common phrases: accident aircraft, accident vehicle, accident helicopter