unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
However, unexpected surprises and miscommunications with a friend or a group could make things go south in a New York minute. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024 Demonstrating your reliability will lead to an unexpected opportunity involving financial gain. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 An absolutely unexpected encounter with game will ruin many a man. Jack O’Connor, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024 The bigger issue is Johnson, who once upon a time was such a promising leading actor, a mountain of a man capable of embodying unexpected vulnerability. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unexpected 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexpected was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near unexpected

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective
un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd How to pronounce unexpected (audio)
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unexpected

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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