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 love baked into grilled cheeses and currents of laughter that swept through the house during unexpected moments of long quiet.

From Los Angeles Times

The way the documentary finds harmony between the humor of the characters’ unexpected behavior and the sensitive issues it tackles struck Danson and Schur.

From Los Angeles Times

As an unexpected choice for the job, Hoover understands that some people — both inside and outside the Olympic movement — will question his approach.

From Los Angeles Times

In his new memoir, Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey, Evans describes how he was bullied at school because of his religion and sexuality and had a "horrible time".

From BBC

With Piece By Piece hitting cinemas this month, Neville told us about the film's unexpected genesis, how he convinced Lego to come on board, and the stars who had notes about their Lego minifigures.

From BBC

Related Words

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