unexpected

[uhn-ik-spek-tid] /ˌʌn ɪkˈspɛk tɪd/

adjective

not expected; unforeseen; surprising:

an unexpected pleasure; an unexpected development.

Origin

1580-90; un-¹ + expect + -ed²

Related forms

unexpectedly, adverb

unexpectedness, noun

Synonyms

unanticipated. See sudden.

Examples from the web for unexpected

And some take existing technology and give it an unexpected twist for a surprising result.
While at first this may be surprising, it is really not unexpected.
In life there is nothing more unexpected and surprising than the arrivals and departures of pleasure.
He liked to do things for people, surprising them with unexpected gifts.
Ingenuity is often about a surprising process in which the dots are connected in unexpected ways.
The unexpected improvement in the fiscal picture was a result of rising incomes.
The effort, however, has met with unexpected complications.
The risks of less unexpected deaths are also being packaged and traded.
Video game players may get an unexpected benefit from blowing away bad guys-better vision.
Contrary to prevailing wisdom, large earthquakes can interact in unexpected ways.

British Dictionary definitions for unexpected

/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/

adjective

surprising or unforeseen

Derived Forms

unexpectedly, adverb
unexpectedness, noun

Word Origin and History for unexpected

adj.

1580s, from un- (1) "not" + past participle of expect. Related: Unexpectedly.