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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whether your brand is facing a lull in customers due to the off-season, cost increases or even an unexpected global health crisis, flexibility is critical to embrace. Carey Bringle, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Most recently, the sporty staple appeared (and reappeared) in Chanel’s resort 2026 collection in unexpected pairings that were anything but prim. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 20 June 2025 Annie Spieth might just get the best kind of unexpected gift this week: her husband, home and healthy, for what really matters next. Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The heart reveals peony in an unexpected and intense combination with sandalwood and rum absolute, while the base develops into this gorgeous deep song of vanilla with notes of labdanum, operanide and ambroxan. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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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