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
Luban’s unexpected journey Only one female whale stuck out from the pod.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
However, with this type of aging equipment, components can become increasingly prone to unexpected failure, even with regular maintenance.
—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Something quite unexpected happened.
—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
There’s an emotion there that’s kind of unexpected.
—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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.
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
However, with this type of aging equipment, components can become increasingly prone to unexpected failure, even with regular maintenance.
—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Something quite unexpected happened.
—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
There’s an emotion there that’s kind of unexpected.
—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 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 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
