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
An emergency fund is an individual savings account that anyone can open and designate as money for unexpected expenses.
—
Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 23 Nov. 2025
This year was one of those unexpected years, lots of rain in the spring and beginning of summer, and also dry as a bone in late summer.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025
Not to mention, it’s made of a water-repellent fabric, meaning your belongings will remain safe in the case of unexpected weather.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
The trick, however, is to add an unexpected splash of color, such as a red sweater knotted at the waist, to break up the neutrality.
—Rachele Guidotti, Glamour, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 23 Nov. 2025
This year was one of those unexpected years, lots of rain in the spring and beginning of summer, and also dry as a bone in late summer.
—Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025
Not to mention, it’s made of a water-repellent fabric, meaning your belongings will remain safe in the case of unexpected weather.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025
The trick, however, is to add an unexpected splash of color, such as a red sweater knotted at the waist, to break up the neutrality.
—Rachele Guidotti, Glamour, 23 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 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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