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.

This week, they got support from an unexpected ally: President Trump.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

While reportedly not unexpected, Bondi had hoped to make what the New York Times called a “graceful exit” this summer.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Now, his business faces another unexpected challenge: the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

But there have been other standout performers this season, including the likes of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, and perhaps somewhat more unexpected stars like Igor Thiago and Antoine Semenyo will likely be in the mix.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

I guess life can be unexpected at times.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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