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
Just days later, Harvey took an unexpected leave of absence and ultimately announced his decision to retire.
—
Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
And assume that any unexpected message about your Social Security number deserves a second look.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Improving service or offering unexpected perks — like a donation to a charity with every purchase — are other ways.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Improving service or offering unexpected perks – like a donation to a charity with every purchase – are other ways.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
And assume that any unexpected message about your Social Security number deserves a second look.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Improving service or offering unexpected perks — like a donation to a charity with every purchase — are other ways.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Improving service or offering unexpected perks – like a donation to a charity with every purchase – are other ways.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 2 Apr. 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 4 Apr. 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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