What is the difference between accident and incident?

Answer 1

Incident
1 A definite and separate occurrence; an event. See Synonyms at occurrence.
2 A usually minor event or condition that is subordinate to another.
3 Something contingent on or related to something else.
4 An occurrence or event that interrupts normal procedure or precipitates a crisis: an international incident.

Accident
1 An unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm: car accidents on icy roads.
2 An unforeseen incident: A series of happy accidents led to his promotion.
3 An instance of involuntary urination or defecation in one's clothing.
4 Lack of intention; chance: ran into an old friend by accident.

Answer 2

Accident Vs Incident

Answer 3

Incident Vs Accident

Answer 4

Key Difference: The word accident has a negative implication and could result in loss of life, or damage to goods. An incident on the other hand can refer to any even that happens; it could be positive or negative.

Accident and incident are two different words that are often confused and used interchangeably, however, these words are different from each other and have different implications.

The word accident has a negative implication and could result in loss of life, or damage to goods. It means mishap, an unforeseen event or an unplanned circumstance that occur, with a most common negative outcome. The word has also been started to use in positive manner, where something that happens unexpectedly can also lead to go things.

The word ‘accident’ is defined by Merriam Webster as:

an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance
lack of intention or necessity: chance
an unfortunate event resulting especially from carelessness or ignorance
an unexpected and medically important bodily event especially when injurious
an unexpected happening causing loss or injury which is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured but for which legal relief may be sought

Examples:

There was huge accident, which cost many lives on the bridge.
Mike was injured in an accident at work.
I accidently lost my keys.
Running into Molly was a happy accident. (Positive implication.

An incident on the other hand can refer to any even that happens; it could be positive or negative. In many times, incident is often interchanged with accident, if it has a most positive implication. It is used to describe any incidents in general. Incidents usually have adjectives before the word, in order to explain the type of incident it is.

The word ‘incident’ is defined as:

something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience: happening
an accompanying minor occurrence or condition
an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters

Examples:

Two people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents.
Many such incidents go unreported.
Mary was shaken by the incident.
The bombing caused an international incident.

In this manner, every accident can be an incident as incidents can have both a positive as well as a negative implication. However not all incidents can be termed as an accident.

Answer 5

All accidents are also incidents, quoted more precisely, but all incidents need not be accidents ! This is the difference in literal sense.
Technically, accidents do not happen in the normal sense of the term logic. Where as incidents can be traced to a logical sequence with all the required factual details if available.

Answer 6

An incident is an occurrence, something that happened. It may or may not have been caused by the actions of a person. An accident is an incident which occurred purely by chance i.e. no one was at fault - no-one causes an accident. Incidently, a "road accident" is usually a misnomer, as someone is usually at fault. (the exception being if a tree fell down in the road, for example).

Answer 7

An accident is considered an important issue and an incident not.

In politics however grave accidents are sometimes covered up by calling them incidents.

So that is very subjective - whether to call something an accident - or incident - it is very personal and subjective.

Answer 8

I believe accident ends in a lose but incident is a wake up call to an accident

Answer 9

an accident happens without warning an incident happens between 2 or more

Answer 10

Accident: non-intentional.
Incident: Intentional, deliberate.