What is a situation that could be described as 'serendipitous'?

A situation described as 'serendipitous' refers to a fortunate occurrence that happens unexpectedly, often leading to an unforeseen positive outcome. This definition aligns perfectly with the choice that describes an accidental discovery resulting in a beneficial consequence. For instance, historical examples include the discovery of penicillin or the creation of post-it notes, both of which happened by chance but yielded significant benefits for society.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not embody the essence of serendipity. A planned event that goes smoothly lacks the surprise element characteristic of serendipitous moments. Predicting a situation accurately denotes foresight rather than chance. An unfortunate event with lasting consequences clearly conveys a negative outcome, which is the opposite of what serendipity represents.