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
The highly anticipated 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics ran into an unexpected speed bump as competition opened Wednesday.
—
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Strong feelings may surface in unexpected circumstances.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Azaria’s publicist Seth Cohen said in an email Wednesday that the cancellation was due to an unexpected scheduling conflict.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
As part of the port transition plan, PPC says the government has made unexpected site visits and instructed the company to provide it unrestricted access to physical, commercial and intellectual property.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 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.
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Strong feelings may surface in unexpected circumstances.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Azaria’s publicist Seth Cohen said in an email Wednesday that the cancellation was due to an unexpected scheduling conflict.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
As part of the port transition plan, PPC says the government has made unexpected site visits and instructed the company to provide it unrestricted access to physical, commercial and intellectual property.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 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 6 Feb. 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
