unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
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
After building a somewhat unexpected level of buzz around the Air Jordan 17 Low in 2024 and 2025, Jordan Brand will continue to put energy into the model by reissuing a pair that hasn’t been seen at retail since 2002, albeit with a slight twist.
—
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2025
Hundreds of trekkers and tourists were stranded by the powerful and unexpected snowstorm.
—Kaijing Xiao, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025
Given that Trump had publicly demanded that James be prosecuted, her indictment was hardly unexpected.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
More examples of unexpected partnerships feel certain to emerge.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
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Riley Jones, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2025
Hundreds of trekkers and tourists were stranded by the powerful and unexpected snowstorm.
—Kaijing Xiao, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025
Given that Trump had publicly demanded that James be prosecuted, her indictment was hardly unexpected.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
More examples of unexpected partnerships feel certain to emerge.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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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