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

Synonyms of unexpected

• sudden

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

Inspired by the Shakespeare play Love's Labour's Lost, the story, written by Claire Friedman, follows romance author Livia Gaines (Hawke), who's been struggling to write ever since an unexpected breakup with her longtime boyfriend. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

Along with wind, rain and lightning, the weather may bring about unexpected health problems. —Devika Rao, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026

Bonus points for including unexpected silhouettes or materials. —Pernille Teisbaek, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026

This is the kind of wry, unexpected gallows humor that this show does so well. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unexpected

• disaffected
• disconnected
• disinfected
• interjected
• intersected
• misdirected
• preselected
• recollected
• reconnected
• redirected
• reelected
• resurrected

Kids Definition

unexpected

adjective

un·​ex·​pect·​ed ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 

: not expected : unforeseen

an unexpected happening

unexpectedly adverb

unexpectedness noun