a single distinct event
"The police investigated each incident separately to determine if they were connected."
An event or occurrence.
"The sudden noise was just a minor incident that quickly faded into silence."
In plain English: An incident is an unexpected event that happens and often causes trouble or needs attention.
"The sudden car brake caused a minor traffic incident on the highway."
Usage: Use "incident" to describe a specific, often minor or unexpected event that happens within a larger situation, such as a traffic incident during a storm. Avoid using it for major disasters, which are better described as accidents or catastrophes depending on the context.
(sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
"incidental expenses"
"the road will bring other incidental advantages"
"extra duties incidental to the job"
"labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion"
"confusion incidental to a quick change"
Arising as the result of an event, inherent.
"The sudden spike in server errors was not a random glitch but an incident arising directly from the recent code update we deployed last night."
In plain English: When used as an adjective, incident means something that happens unexpectedly or by chance rather than being planned.
"The incident report was filed immediately after the accident."
Usage: The word "incident" is not used as an adjective in standard English; instead, you must use the adjective "incidental," which means arising or resulting from an event rather than being essential to it. Use "incidental" to describe costs, benefits, or details that happen alongside a main activity but are not the primary focus.
The word "incident" entered English around 1412 via Middle French and Latin. It originally described something that falls upon a person or situation, derived from the concept of falling onto something.