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
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.
Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, explained that the tribes had a plan with the Army Corps and Enbridge for unanticipated discoveries, knowing there was a high likelihood that human remains or artifacts of cultural significance would be found during the survey process. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 By the early ’80s, however, California lawmakers had already begun discussing reforms to the legislation to address its unanticipated consequences — among them, making development a financially prohibitive prospect. The Editors, National Review, 2 July 2025 Republican leaders are pitching the Medicaid crackdown in response to the program's ballooning budget and, in particular, the unanticipated $1 billion budget shortfall discovered in late 2023. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Visibility is key, and so are resourceful staff members who are able to react fast to unanticipated changes. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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