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.
So unless something drastically unexpected occurs in the next week, creators would be wise to search for a replacement platform. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 The emo band’s sophomore album took an unexpected turn towards shoegaze and post-punk that has become revered by fans. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 Jan. 2025 Still, the existence of both shows, and the longevity of Grace and Frankie, spoke to an unexpected side effect of the streaming revolution: With no advertisers to appease (at least not in the 2010s), demographics became meaningless. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025 Then something unexpected happened: the fluctuation period stabilized. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near unexpected

Cite this Entry

“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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