unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpected consequences/results
Drivers must be prepared to deal with the unexpected. [=things that happen unexpectedly]
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her crisp button-down shirt and tailored pants were menswear-coded, offering a relaxed but pulled-together feel that was somehow both classic and just a little bit unexpected.
—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
7 July 2026
The three most common triggers included fear of strange people, fear of unfamiliar dogs and fear of unfamiliar situations like unexpected noises or objects on the sidewalk.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 July 2026
A lot of these athletes have had unexpected trajectories and remarkable biographies — even a surprising side hobby or two.
—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
6 July 2026
Without accurate information about what to expect, there’s no way for food banks to change course to accommodate any unexpected change in the volume of food available to donate.
—
John Lowrey,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
7 July 2026
The three most common triggers included fear of strange people, fear of unfamiliar dogs and fear of unfamiliar situations like unexpected noises or objects on the sidewalk.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 July 2026
A lot of these athletes have had unexpected trajectories and remarkable biographies — even a surprising side hobby or two.
—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
6 July 2026
Without accurate information about what to expect, there’s no way for food banks to change course to accommodate any unexpected change in the volume of food available to donate.
—
John Lowrey,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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