unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd 

: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen

unanticipatedly adverb

Synonyms

• abrupt
• sudden
• unexpected
• unforeseen
• unlooked-for

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects.

ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program

Recent Examples on the Web

The result marks an unanticipated setback for Merz who was widely expected to secure the necessary votes and be officially sworn in later in the day. —Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 May 2025

That brings us to Senate Bill 769, which appears superficially to be a positive effort to expand infrastructure financing but could be another example of unanticipated consequences. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Canvassing across the industry, people are exploring what some of these unanticipated innovations may look like. —Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Stan and Russell recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss some of the other unanticipated components of the film, starting with Congressman Barnes, something that was first set up in Captain America: Brave New World. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unanticipated

• ameliorated
• decontaminated
• deoxygenated
• deteriorated
• differentiated
• disarticulated
• excommunicated
• incapacitated
• individuated
• misappropriated
• monounsaturated
• multinucleated