unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd 
: not expected : unforeseen
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
Examples of unexpected in a Sentence
an unexpected turn of events
I'm sad that she's leaving, but it was not unexpected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Aaron Rodgers clearly enjoys holding the NFL hostage: The NFL’s lamest offseason storyline had a new – but not unexpected – twist Thursday when Aaron Rodgers had thoughts on the New York Jets and new head coach Aaron Glenn.
—
Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Upon his unexpected death less than two months later, John Paul I's successor, Karol Wojtyla, chose the name John Paul II to honor him.
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The Collinses demonstrate how advances in reproductive technology are resulting in unexpected political, social, and even aesthetic realignments.
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But New Bedford’s economic catastrophe soon gave it an unexpected industrial advantage: numerous unemployed workers with nowhere to turn but the factory floor.
— Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
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Jim Reineking, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Upon his unexpected death less than two months later, John Paul I's successor, Karol Wojtyla, chose the name John Paul II to honor him.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
The Collinses demonstrate how advances in reproductive technology are resulting in unexpected political, social, and even aesthetic realignments.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Read More: The Fashion Fight That Exposes the Flaw in Trump's Tariff Logic
But New Bedford’s economic catastrophe soon gave it an unexpected industrial advantage: numerous unemployed workers with nowhere to turn but the factory floor.
— Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unexpected
Cite this Entry
“Unexpected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexpected. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unexpected
adjective
un·ex·pect·ed
ˌən-ik-ˈspek-təd
: not expected : unforeseen
an unexpected happening
unexpectedly
adverb
unexpectedness
noun
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