Words / B1

INS-id-uh-nt/ˈɪnsɪdənt/

An incident is something that happens, especially something unusual or unpleasant: a serious incident; report an incident; without incident. An event can be planned and positive; an accident is unplanned harm; an event in the news may be called an incident by police. Incident report is typical workplace English. Incidental means not the main point. Do not use incident for a happy party — use event / occasion.

Meaning

Something that happens, especially something unusual or unpleasant.

Examples

• “The police are investigating the incident.”
• “Staff must report any incident in the workplace log.”
• “The flight passed without incident.”

Good to know

a serious incident. report an incident. without incident. Planned/positive: event. Unplanned harm: accident. Police/news use is common.

Near in meaning

event

New