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
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
Out in the Pacific Ocean, Navy corpsmen, doctors and other first-responders on ships and in airplanes were on hand should something unexpected happen.
—
Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
David Ellison fell into the latter category Thursday as made a unexpected appearance at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of theater owners.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
But there was no rhythm to be found for much of Year 19 for the veteran guard, a campaign filled with constant change, starting with an unexpected move to the bench at the season’s outset, followed by a trade, a re-signing and sporadic role change.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
While the major offices are all using Tyler’s system to generate bills, a final launch has been delayed repeatedly as new fixes for refunds and handling of overdue payments often uncover fresh and unexpected problems to solve.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
David Ellison fell into the latter category Thursday as made a unexpected appearance at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of theater owners.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
But there was no rhythm to be found for much of Year 19 for the veteran guard, a campaign filled with constant change, starting with an unexpected move to the bench at the season’s outset, followed by a trade, a re-signing and sporadic role change.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
While the major offices are all using Tyler’s system to generate bills, a final launch has been delayed repeatedly as new fixes for refunds and handling of overdue payments often uncover fresh and unexpected problems to solve.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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