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

Synonyms of unexpected

• sudden

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

And considering Spider-Man's signature suit, the crimson liner felt less like an unexpected beauty choice and more like an extremely intentional reference. — Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026

An unexpected but welcome return as two of the people that Louis loves the most sit side-by-side. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Zach Bryan gave fans an unexpected surprise over the weekend. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

But these two events share unexpected connective tissue — moms seeking to expand their athletic identities. — Lynda Lin Grigsby, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unexpected

• disaffected
• disconnected
• disinfected
• interjected
• intersected
• misdirected
• preselected
• recollected
• reconnected
• redirected
• reelected
• resurrected

Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 

: not expected : unforeseen

an unexpected happening

unexpectedly adverb

unexpectedness noun