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 journey from Los Alamitos High to professional football was finally complete, albeit in an unexpected way.
—
Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Travel plans, a new perspective or an unexpected opportunity to learn something exciting could shake you out of autopilot.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Mythos’s unexpected sandbox breakout—which bypassed its own security guardrails—has surprised many security researchers and sparked vital discussions.
—Kemba Walden, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
When an unexpected opportunity emerges to restore the legendary Cornelia Marie, Jake steps back into the captain’s chair, putting his reputation and his family’s future on the line for one final shot at redemption.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Travel plans, a new perspective or an unexpected opportunity to learn something exciting could shake you out of autopilot.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Mythos’s unexpected sandbox breakout—which bypassed its own security guardrails—has surprised many security researchers and sparked vital discussions.
—Kemba Walden, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
When an unexpected opportunity emerges to restore the legendary Cornelia Marie, Jake steps back into the captain’s chair, putting his reputation and his family’s future on the line for one final shot at redemption.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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