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
As Sportico has reported, TKO has already helped push a boxing reform bill to the brink of passage, though that bill has recently met some unexpected resistance in the Senate.
—
Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026
Quarter zips, skirt overlay pants, and asymmetric blazers are paired with unexpected sneaker styles to give an unconventional look.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Caused by sunlight-scattering dust in the Martian atmosphere, that unexpected brilliance seems to be planet-wide—save for a region near the world’s north pole.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Other signs of unexpected weakness are also beginning to surface.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026
Quarter zips, skirt overlay pants, and asymmetric blazers are paired with unexpected sneaker styles to give an unconventional look.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Caused by sunlight-scattering dust in the Martian atmosphere, that unexpected brilliance seems to be planet-wide—save for a region near the world’s north pole.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Other signs of unexpected weakness are also beginning to surface.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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