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

That said, unexpected bugs or app crashes don’t always mean someone’s using your PC without your knowledge. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Surrounded by Notting Hill’s pastel town houses, the Portobello Hotel’s interiors are their own draw, sporting vibrant colors and unexpected textural pairings. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026

The cost of this care, which includes nursing homes and adult day services, can be exorbitant, with increases outpacing inflation, and can crop up at unexpected times. — David Chavern, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Euro zone shows 'unexpected resilience' The European Central Bank voted to hold interest rates steady on Thursday, saying a shock from higher energy prices was not yet feeding into second-round effects in the wider economy. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 30 Oct. 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