Synonyms

unexpected

American

[uhn-ik-spek-tid] / ˌʌn ɪkˈspɛk tɪd /

adjective

not expected; unforeseen; surprising.

an unexpected pleasure;
an unexpected development.

unexpected British

/ ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd /

adjective

surprising or unforeseen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See sudden.

Other Word Forms

unexpectedly adverb
unexpectedness noun

Etymology

Origin of unexpected

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ¹ + expect + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

New developments in artificial intelligence have also disrupted entire sectors of the market in sudden and unexpected ways, rolling through insurers, data providers, wealth managers and even trucking companies in recent sessions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Done correctly, this could be brilliant — a completely fresh and unexpected way to adapt an oft-remade story.

From Salon

A study published in the journal PeerJ has identified an unexpected factor in the spread of an invasive flatworm in France.

From Science Daily

Computers designed to mimic the structure of the human brain are showing an unexpected strength.

From Science Daily

A weekend trip on a budget can lead you to unexpected and delightful corners of the French capital.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023