Accident
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3
Unexpected Harm
‘Accident’ often implies someone was hurt or something was damaged without anyone meaning to do it. He broke his arm by accident when he slipped on the ice.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not On Purpose
Use 'accident' to stress that something bad happened that nobody planned or wanted. She apologized for the vase she knocked over by accident.
Pro Tip 3/3
Serious Incidents
The word can be used for serious occurrences, such as car or industrial accidents. The factory was shut down after a serious industrial accident.