unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web The one-year delay in the hall’s reopening — caused by unanticipated construction challenges — has resulted in an as-yet-unspecified cost increase to the $125 million rebuilding budget. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024 But that Dortmund will travel to France with hope — perhaps even with a little expectation — is still an unanticipated development. Rory Smith, New York Times, 3 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for unanticipated 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unanticipated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

Dictionary Entries Near unanticipated

Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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