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

The unexpected arrival of the Epstein associate upset the camp’s routines.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not so much because they were unexpected, which they were, but because sophisticated investors including some of the nation’s biggest banks and asset managers overlooked blazing red flags.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The real question coming out of the series was about the root cause of Ohtani’s unexpected struggles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Maxwell’s unexpected arrival upset the camp’s usually relaxed atmosphere, leading to more frequent lockdowns, the addition of armed guards and other changes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This is highly unusual for October "when we expect the skies to remain clear," said Riten Jangbu Sherpa, a mountain guide, adding that trekkers have been increasingly caught in unexpected extreme weather in recent years.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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