incident
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
An event or occurrence, typically one that is notable, disruptive, or unexpected.
A specific event, often minor or unpleasant, within a larger context; also, a public disturbance or an episode of diplomatic or military tension.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a discrete, bounded event, often with negative or problematic connotations. Can also refer to an occurrence that is part of a larger narrative or sequence. Distinguish from 'accident' (unintended) and 'incidence' (rate of occurrence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Incident' is used slightly more frequently in American English in corporate/police contexts (e.g., 'incident report').
Connotations
In both varieties, it often implies a negative, problematic, or disruptive event. In formal UK diplomatic language, 'an incident' can refer to a specific, contained dispute.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ADJ] incidentincident involving [NOUN/PERSON]incident at/in/on [PLACE]incident in which [CLAUSE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “without incident (safely, without problems)”
- “be incidental to (be a minor part of)”
- “a storm in a teacup (a minor incident exaggerated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to disruptions, security breaches, or workplace conflicts (e.g., 'The IT incident was resolved quickly').
Academic
Used to describe a specific, documented event within a case study or historical analysis.
Everyday
Describes notable or annoying events (e.g., 'There was a silly incident at the supermarket today').
Technical
In IT/security: an event that breaches security policies. In aviation/safety: any event affecting operations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The costs were incident to the relocation process.
American English
- Risks incident to the profession are covered by insurance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a small incident at school today.
- The journey passed without incident.
- Can you tell me what happened during the incident?
- It was just a minor incident, nothing serious.
- The border incident led to increased tensions between the two countries.
- She filed a report detailing the entire incident.
- The diplomatic incident was precipitated by an inadvertent breach of protocol.
- His analysis of the incident revealed systemic failures in communication.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INCIDENT' as an event that 'INCIDEntally' happens, often causing a dent in your plans.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN EVENT IS AN OBJECT (e.g., 'put the incident behind us', 'the incident cast a shadow'). A PROBLEM IS A PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTION (e.g., 'the incident blocked progress').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'инцидентностью' (это 'incidence' / rate).
- В отличие от 'происшествие', 'incident' может быть менее серьёзным.
- В контексте 'без происшествий' — 'without incident', а не 'without accidents'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'incident' (event) with 'incidence' (rate/frequency).
- Using 'incident' for a planned event (use 'event').
- Misspelling as 'incendent' or 'incidant'.
- Overusing for trivial events where 'thing' or 'happening' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is NOT a strong synonym for a serious 'incident'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'accident' is specifically an unforeseen and unintended event, often causing damage or injury (e.g., car accident). An 'incident' is broader—any notable event, which may be intentional or unintentional, and is not necessarily damaging (e.g., a diplomatic incident).
Rarely. Its default connotation is neutral-to-negative. For positive events, words like 'event', 'occasion', or 'occurrence' are more typical.
No. 'Incidents' is the plural of 'incident'. 'Incidence' is a singular noun referring to the frequency or rate of occurrence of something (e.g., 'a high incidence of disease').
It is neutral but leans towards formal in official contexts (police, corporate, diplomatic). In everyday speech, it is perfectly acceptable but often implies a degree of seriousness or official reporting.