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

Representatives for Volman confirmed the death to Rolling Stone, citing a “brief, unexpected illness.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We really broke out and became sort of a viral unexpected hit at that festival and that really made my entire career from that point exist.”

From Los Angeles Times

That was the unexpected topic of discussion this week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met at a military parade in Beijing.

From BBC

The book takes a turn when a nurse’s daughter goes missing, but Straight amps the joy with an unexpected life-affirming love affair.

From Los Angeles Times

The festival this year was also the site of an unexpected birth when a 36-year-old woman went into labor in her RV.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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