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
Less than a quarter mile from the finish, his race took an unexpected turn because of a fan.
—
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Set almost entirely within the confines of an apartment and its balcony, the story unfolds over the course of a few days and centers on an unexpected duel between a grandfather and his grandson.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
The steel pipe's unexpected growth spurt was reported to police early Wednesday by a pedestrian who saw broken pieces of asphalt falling from the cylinder, baffling people passing by and causing traffic congestion.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Some people did not discover the problem until their legitimate tax return was rejected, or unexpected tax forms arrived in the mail.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Set almost entirely within the confines of an apartment and its balcony, the story unfolds over the course of a few days and centers on an unexpected duel between a grandfather and his grandson.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
The steel pipe's unexpected growth spurt was reported to police early Wednesday by a pedestrian who saw broken pieces of asphalt falling from the cylinder, baffling people passing by and causing traffic congestion.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Some people did not discover the problem until their legitimate tax return was rejected, or unexpected tax forms arrived in the mail.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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