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Definition of unexpected

unexpected

/ˌʌn.ɪkˈspɛk.tɪd/
un · ex · pect · ed
Adverb:unexpectedly
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unexpected Lexical Profile

unexpected Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not anticipated, foreseen, or predicted; happening without advance warning.

Example

"The sudden drop in temperature was completely unexpected for late spring."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unexpected

• Nearby Words

unexercised
unexhausted
unexpanded
unexpected
unexpectedly
unexpectedness
unexpended

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, formed from the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'expected', which derives from the Latin 'exspectare' (to look out for or await).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unexpected. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unexpected
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