inevitable accident
- noun
- /ɪˈnɛvɪtəbl ˈæksɪdənt/
:
accidente inevitable
- The storm was considered an inevitable accident for which no one could be held responsible.
Examples
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In law, an inevitable accident is recognized as a defense when harm could not be prevented despite all precautions.
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Her property insurance did not cover damage from an inevitable accident like a sudden flood.
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Her property insurance did not cover damage resulting from an inevitable accident.
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An inevitable accident occurred last night.
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The storm caused an inevitable accident on the highway.
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The storm caused an inevitable accident on the highway that disrupted traffic for hours.
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In law, an inevitable accident is recognized when harm occurs despite all reasonable precautions being taken.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
An unexpected event that causes harm or damage
19
6.8
A natural event like a flood or earthquake that cannot be prevented by people
4
9.8
A large unexpected event like a natural disaster or war that prevents someone from fulfilling a contract
A strong natural event like an earthquake or flood that you cannot stop and that stops normal life
Antonyms
How Preventable
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an accident that could not be prevented' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'inevitable' (certain to occur, impossible to prevent) with 'accident' (an unforeseen harmful occurrence). This compositional pattern is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand the phrase.
Etymology
The phrase inevitable accident puts together inevitable ('cannot be stopped') and accident ('an unexpected event'). Imagine a strong storm that knocks down a tree despite all careful action. Because no one could stop it, people call it an inevitable accident, meaning 'an unavoidable event' for which no one is to blame.