unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpected consequences/results
Drivers must be prepared to deal with the unexpected. [=things that happen unexpectedly]
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
Akami in Apex, North Carolina, is showing that excellent sushi can be found in unexpected places.
—
Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Here are a few of this year's most unexpected and fascinating discoveries, ranging from the social lives of dinosaurs to still-undiscovered giants.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025
Then, the idea of starting her own company formed in the most unexpected of places.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 28 Dec. 2025
Expect more auroras in unexpected places, though perhaps not as frequently as the past couple years.
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Here are a few of this year's most unexpected and fascinating discoveries, ranging from the social lives of dinosaurs to still-undiscovered giants.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025
Then, the idea of starting her own company formed in the most unexpected of places.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 28 Dec. 2025
Expect more auroras in unexpected places, though perhaps not as frequently as the past couple years.
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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