unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, an unanticipated, if admirable, high level of conservation over the years left San Diego with a surplus of expensive water. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 As Colman searches for a murderer and Lorna searches for her daughter, their paths collide in unanticipated ways. EW.com, 4 Jan. 2024 Hill’s research exemplifies the phenomenon of unanticipated consequences that often afflicts political actions. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2024 And Then Adapt Some More When plotting a sustainability path, the team learned unanticipated challenges would arise and the ability to pivot was critical to success. Kevin Brown, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Money has poured into the minor leagues in recent years, even before Wrexham — both the team and the documentary — brought an unanticipated allure to the lower reaches of English soccer. Rory Smith, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 An unanticipated development can disrupt your home and family life. USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024 Though unwittingly taking a methamphetamine pill may not necessarily carry the same immediate risk of death as accidentally consuming fentanyl, drug experts say there are still significant concerns — such as failing a drug test, accidentally running afoul of the law or having unanticipated effects. Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2024 Due to unanticipated road closures the auto-car couldn’t make it to her and her order would have to be canceled. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unanticipated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

Dictionary Entries Near unanticipated

Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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