1. An undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: "automobile accidents".
2. In law, happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.
3. Any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.
4. By chance; fortune; luck: "I arrived just in time by accident."
5. A fortuitous circumstance, quality, or characteristic: "an accident of birth".
6. In geology, a surface irregularity, usually on a small scale, the reason for which is not apparent.

A situation in which the presence of mind is good, but the absence of the body is much better.