unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's recent comments about Bryce Harper continue to have unexpected consequences. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 The result is galactorrhea, or unexpected milk production. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025 One of the more unexpected encounters came courtesy of Sinatra himself, who wasn’t thrilled with a press boycott Clooney was involved in. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2025 Zillow’s September 2025 housing market report reveals an unexpected surge of activity during what is typically real estate’s slow season. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unexpected

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexpected was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective
un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unexpected

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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