Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

the unexpected

noun

Definition of the unexpected

: things that happen unexpectedly
  • Drivers must always be prepared to deal with the unexpected.

Word by Word Definitions

unexpected play

  1. : not expected : unforeseen

See the full definition of unexpected

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the unexpected? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games