unexpected

[ uhn-ik-spek-tid ]

adjective

1. not expected; unforeseen; surprising:

   an unexpected pleasure;

   an unexpected development.

unexpected

/ ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd /

adjective

1. surprising or unforeseen

Derived Forms

• ˌunexˈpectedly, adverb
• ˌunexˈpectedness, noun

Other Words From

• un·ex·pect·ed·ly adverb
• un·ex·pect·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unexpected¹

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ¹ + expect + -ed ²

Synonym Study

See sudden.

Example Sentences

"It was quite a shocking thing to see and unexpected, but equally for various reasons quite welcome for them to go on TV like that," he said.

From BBC

Karin is not your typical sweet anime girl, and the narrative is bizarre, unexpected and hilarious.

From Los Angeles Times

The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, also revealed something unexpected.

From Science Daily

This unexpected discovery challenges a longstanding belief that these genes evolved exclusively within animals.

From Science Daily

One unexpected finding, say the investigators, was how even advanced models like GPT-4 showed signs of strain when pushed to their cognitive limits.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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