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

There’s no unusual cask finish or unexpected grain bill. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Snow or ice on the roof of your vehicle can fly off at high speeds, turning into projectiles that cause other motorists to lose visibility or encounter a sudden unexpected force against their front windshield. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

For most people, assessing a bear’s weight or fur color isn’t a top priority during an unexpected encounter in the woods. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026

The teammates battle to bring back the accounts forming unexpected alliances along the way. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Jan. 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