unlooked-for

[ uhn-lookt-fawr ]

adjective

1. not expected, anticipated, or foreseen:

   They were confronted with an unlooked-for situation.

unlooked-for

/ ˌʌnˈlʊktfɔː /

adjective

1. unexpected; unforeseen

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlooked-for¹

1525–35; from phrase look for; un- ¹, -ed ²

Example Sentences

“So yes, the series has this incredible unlooked-for resonance, which, I mean, we should be grateful for,” he continued, “but we're certainly not grateful that Russia has become an invading nation.”

From Salon

Both actors completely inhabit their absorbing roles, relishing the opportunity their exchanges provide and adding unlooked-for layers to a complicated human relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

More to the point, Brittany’s obstacles do not fade away even as she sheds pounds, and unlooked-for issues of intimacy, trust and belief in self come to the fore.

From Los Angeles Times

That unlooked-for combination of the heartening and heartbreak pushes “The Russian Five” to the very top.

From Los Angeles Times

But like many successful women, she brushes off her achievements, attributing her unlooked-for wins to luck.

From New York Times

Related Words

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