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

Sierra Canyon used a ferocious press and got points from unexpected places, like 3-pointers from Stephen Kankole, dunks from Jordan Mize and 11 points with 10 assists from JJ Sati-Grier. —Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

The kiosk serves both passengers and airport employees, offering haircuts, beard trims, styling, and other grooming services, even during tight layovers or unexpected schedule changes. —Justin Adams, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

In the meantime it's created unexpected strains, which are disrupting the federal courts. —Martin Kaste, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026

Some of the animal bones lurking inside are completely unexpected, too. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 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