unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: 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
Unless an unexpected punter upgrade becomes available at final cuts, Robbins looks safe.
—
Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
The ripple effect of Social Studies wasn’t entirely unexpected.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2025
The trend is not entirely unexpected, the survey's key findings read, as many of the structures were built during the mid-to-late 20th century, a period dominated by brutalist and utilitarian architectural styles.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
What started as a search for a former prison mate from 1989, led to an unexpected road trip from the north to the south of Gaza with Hasan, a local guide whose fate remains unknown.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
The ripple effect of Social Studies wasn’t entirely unexpected.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2025
The trend is not entirely unexpected, the survey's key findings read, as many of the structures were built during the mid-to-late 20th century, a period dominated by brutalist and utilitarian architectural styles.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
What started as a search for a former prison mate from 1989, led to an unexpected road trip from the north to the south of Gaza with Hasan, a local guide whose fate remains unknown.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
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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