unexpected

[uhn-ik-spek-tid]

adjective

1. not expected; unforeseen; surprising.

   an unexpected pleasure;

   an unexpected development.

unexpected

/ ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd /

adjective

1. surprising or unforeseen

Other Word Forms

• unexpectedly adverb
• unexpectedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unexpected¹

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

Synonym Study

See sudden.

Example Sentences

This revealed unexpected neighboring cells, including one never described before -- a large cell with many fingerlike projections extending from its surface.

Read more on Science Daily

However fragile a deal might be, it could "narrow the risk" of any unexpected decisions in the months ahead, Prof Kam adds.

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He added: "It was totally unexpected, out of the blue, and it knocked me for six."

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It’s an unexpected overlap, given environmentalists’ long history of fighting to protect old-growth forests in the region the owls call home.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Frank's sudden rise in fame has opened some unexpected doors for a retired journalist in his late 70s.

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Related Words

• abrupt 
• accidental 
• amazing 
• astonishing 
• fortuitous 
• startling 
• stunning 
• sudden 
• swift 
• unanticipated 
• unforeseen 
• unpredictable 
• wonderful