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
As secrets unfold, the layers of truth lead to an unexpected friendship and life-altering choices.
—
Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
This week, Julia Fox became an unexpected adopter of conservative kitsch at the Fashion Trust US Awards, arriving in a frilly satin salmon pink oversized nightgown from rising cult label Ashley Williams.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
Burgess and others are often more worried about socking away money for unexpected car and house repairs or vet bills.
—Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
That could include strange pop-ups, battery drain or unexpected logins.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
This week, Julia Fox became an unexpected adopter of conservative kitsch at the Fashion Trust US Awards, arriving in a frilly satin salmon pink oversized nightgown from rising cult label Ashley Williams.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
Burgess and others are often more worried about socking away money for unexpected car and house repairs or vet bills.
—Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
That could include strange pop-ups, battery drain or unexpected logins.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 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 13 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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