French word

incident

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃sidɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounproblem

Example

Nous avons eu un incident avec la livraison.

We had a problem with the delivery.

Illustration for incident (problem)

More examples

Hier, il y a eu un incident mineur sur la route.

Yesterday, there was a minor incident on the road.

Core concept

A normal situation is interrupted by an unforeseen event that causes trouble.

Common phrases

  • un incident mineur

    a minor incident

  • un incident de la circulation

    a traffic incident

  • signaler un incident

    report an incident

Similar words

problème: A troublesome matter that needs to be resolved.
pépin: A minor fault or malfunction in everyday life.
contretemps: A delay or setback that disrupts plans or arrangements.
accident: A serious event involving injury or major damage.

Definition in French

Événement imprévu qui cause des problèmes ou perturbe le cours normal des choses.

Word origin

The French noun incident developed from Latin incidens, the present participle of incidere, meaning to fall upon or occur.

Usage tips

  • French often uses incident for a limited disruption, while accident more specifically suggests an unintended harmful event.

Other meanings

  • eventnoun
  • accidentnoun

Word lists with this word