unexpected

[ uhn-ik-spek-tid ]

adjective

1. not expected; unforeseen; surprising:

   an unexpected pleasure;

   an unexpected development.

unexpected

/ ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd /

adjective

1. surprising or unforeseen

Derived Forms

• ˌunexˈpectedly, adverb
• ˌunexˈpectedness, noun

Other Words From

• un·ex·pect·ed·ly adverb
• un·ex·pect·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unexpected¹

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

Synonym Study

See sudden.

Related Words

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