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

Production outside the Middle East ramped up Another significant adjustment during the Iran war was the ramp-up in oil production from unexpected sources. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

After Holmes begins her sentence, the documentary continues, but takes an extremely unexpected twist that involves the appearance of a notable Hollywood actress. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 7 Sep. 2026

Now, an unexpected voice from China is giving one part of the concept serious consideration. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

As testing continues, regulators will have to determine how much human supervision is required and how the aircraft should respond to communication failures, changing weather or other unexpected problems. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 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