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

Synonyms of unexpected

• sudden

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

Because something unexpected could impact your money or your possession, keep your eyes open! — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

The incident was quickly followed by a slew of other companies reporting instances where AI agents behaved in unexpected ways. — Tom Matsuda, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

However, what’s entirely unexpected is the sparrow continuing to fly around even when Hal takes his ring back. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

When younger brother Naz arrives with an unexpected guest in tow, tensions simmer, eventually boiling over into violence as the family’s dirty secrets are revealed. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unexpected

• disaffected
• disconnected
• disinfected
• interjected
• intersected
• misdirected
• preselected
• recollected
• reconnected
• redirected
• reelected
• resurrected

Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 

: not expected : unforeseen

an unexpected happening

unexpectedly adverb

unexpectedness noun