unintentional delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"unintentional delay" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a delay that was not planned or intended. Example: "The project faced an unintentional delay due to unforeseen circumstances." Alternative expressions include "accidental delay" and "unexpected delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There was an unnecessary but unintentional delay in processing the information until after the attack had started.

The Guardian

The results of these factors may result in missed diagnostic opportunities (MDOs) and unintentional delay in initiating treatment [ 17].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It stipulates, among other things, standardised forms that all patent offices must accept, basic standards for electronic submission of patents, and mechanisms to avoid loss of rights due to non-essential formalities or unintentional delays.

The Economist

All of these factors contribute to inadvertent and unintentional errors and delays in BG testing that may result in hypoglycemia and illustrate the limitations of current measurement technologies when used to achieve a strict glycemic target.

Critical Care

In 2005, Rodgers became the unintentional symbol for agonizing draft day delays.

The New York Times - Sports

In a written statement issued Friday, Hachette said that Ms. Goodall had agreed to delay the book's release because she wanted to "correct any unintentional errors".

The New York Times

Of the DBC criteria, unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation more than 3 times indicated DGC, and subsequent PPS was attempted without delay when DGC failed, according to the algorithm.

BMC Gastroenterology

CVS apologized to Hall for the delay, saying in its statement that no one had previously contacted her due to "an unintentional oversight".

Huffington Post

Their unity was unintentional.

The New Yorker

"They were unintentional mistakes.

The New York Times

It was wholly unintentional".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unintentional delay", ensure the context clearly indicates the delay was not deliberate or planned. Avoid using it in situations where negligence or deliberate action caused the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "unintentional delay" when the delay was caused by a known or foreseeable factor. Reserve it for truly unexpected and unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unintentional delay" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it describes a situation where a pause or setback was not planned or intended. This contrasts with intentional or deliberate delays.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unintentional delay" is a noun phrase used to describe a delay that was not planned or intended. Ludwig indicates it serves to inform and explain unforeseen interruptions, often providing context or excuse. The phrase maintains a neutral register, appearing in both news and scientific domains. Related terms include "inadvertent postponement" and "accidental holdup". When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the lack of deliberate intent and avoids attributing delays to known or foreseeable factors. While less frequent than other similar phrases, it is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadvertent postponement

Replaces "unintentional delay" with synonyms that focus on the accidental nature of the postponement.

accidental holdup

Uses "accidental" to emphasize the lack of intent behind the delay, and "holdup" as a less formal synonym for delay.

unforeseen lag

Highlights the unexpected nature of the delay, using "lag" as a technical synonym.

unexpected setback

Frames the delay as an obstacle, emphasizing its unforeseen nature.

unanticipated pause

Replaces "delay" with "pause", suggesting a temporary interruption that was not planned.

uncalculated interruption

Focuses on the lack of planning behind the interruption, making it synonymous with an unintentional delay.

chance deferment

Emphasizes the randomness and lack of intention behind the postponement.

serendipitous wait

Suggests that the delay, although unintentional, might lead to something positive.

casual slowing

Implies a mild, unintentional reduction in pace or progress.

unmeant deferral

A more formal and direct substitute using the word 'deferral' that means 'postponement'.

FAQs

What does "unintentional delay" mean?

The term "unintentional delay" refers to a delay that occurs without being planned or intended. It suggests that the delay was caused by unforeseen circumstances or accidental oversights.

What are some alternatives to "unintentional delay"?

You can use alternatives like "inadvertent postponement", "accidental holdup", or "unforeseen lag" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "unintentional delay" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The project experienced an "unintentional delay" due to unexpected equipment malfunction."

What is the difference between "unintentional delay" and "deliberate delay"?

"Unintentional delay" refers to a delay that occurs by accident, while "deliberate delay" implies that the delay was planned and intentional.