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
The robot also serves as an inspection agent, alerting operators whenever unexpected occurrences or safety issues are detected in the warehouse area, according to a press release.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Throw on some colorful shoes or sandals for an unexpected high-saturation pop.
—Luz García, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2025
The windproof and thermal wool blend fabric is the perfect shell to protect you on the many fall days in Paris, as the whipping wind adds an unexpected cool factor while strolling around town.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Comedian and longtime Tame Impala fan Eric Andre made an unexpected cameo—inside the show’s bathroom cam.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Throw on some colorful shoes or sandals for an unexpected high-saturation pop.
—Luz García, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2025
The windproof and thermal wool blend fabric is the perfect shell to protect you on the many fall days in Paris, as the whipping wind adds an unexpected cool factor while strolling around town.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Comedian and longtime Tame Impala fan Eric Andre made an unexpected cameo—inside the show’s bathroom cam.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 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 8 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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