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.

The acquisition is an unexpected move by Simo early in her tenure at OpenAI, where she oversees its product and business functions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

Their work, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reveals a remarkable example of how life can adapt in unexpected ways.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

“I tell you, Miss Lumley, ever since I met you and these charming Incorrigible children, unexpected things just keep on happening. I’ll never be at a loss for words again.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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