unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

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
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.
Health and retirement benefits, a cornerstone of a strong union contract, are crucial to long-term financial security, addressing the needs of growing families, and weathering life's unanticipated events. Jennifer Dorning, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025 The unanticipated problems and lessons learned in the early legal states, often crop up again in states that legalize cannabis later. Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 That could result in unanticipated changes spreading fast through a population before researchers would have a chance to stop it, potentially upending the delicate balance of an ecosystem. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 July 2025 And how did most people react to this horrific, humiliating, unanticipated, life-changing sequence of events for at least three people, not to mention their colleagues and their families? The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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