B2noun2K

Incident

UK /["/ˈɪnsɪdənt/"]/US /["/ˈɪnsɪdənt/"]/

Definition

something that happens, especially something unusual or unpleasant

In simple words: An event or happening, often negative.

Examples

  • The incident at the train station caused major delays.
  • Witnesses described the incident as shocking and unexpected.
  • After the incident, the police launched a full investigation.
  • During the meeting, she recalled an incident from her childhood.
  • The recent incident involving the celebrity made headlines worldwide.

Usage notes

The word 'incident' is used in both formal and informal contexts, typically referring to an unfortunate or unexpected event. It is less appropriate in casual conversation unless referring to minor issues.

Grammar pattern

incident + (verb) + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in-situ' and imagine an event happening right there.

Collocations

  • major
  • serious
  • little
  • cause
  • create
  • provoke
  • happen
  • occur
  • take place
  • room
  • incident with
  • following an/​the incident
  • in an/​the incident
  • major
  • serious
  • little
  • cause
  • create
  • provoke
  • happen
  • occur
  • take place
  • room
  • incident with
  • following an/​the incident
  • in an/​the incident
  • major
  • serious
  • little
  • cause
  • create
  • provoke
  • happen
  • occur
  • take place
  • room
  • incident with
  • following an/​the incident
  • in an/​the incident

Synonyms

  • event
  • occurrence
  • happening
  • situation
  • episode

Antonyms

  • solution
  • safety

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'accident' which refers specifically to unplanned events causing harm.
  • Used in singular form when referring to multiple events.
  • Overly dramatic usage when a simple event occurs.