# unexpected

/ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/ (US) · /ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unexpected
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. surprising or unplanned

adjective · CEFR B1

describes something that happens even though you did not think it would.

For teachers: not anticipated or foreseen; occurring without prior notice or expectation.

- The rain was unexpected because the morning sky had been perfectly clear.
- The company faced several unexpected challenges during the merger, ranging from cultural clashes to sudden regulatory changes.

### 2. the unexpected

noun · CEFR B2

surprising events or things that you did not plan for.

For teachers: events or circumstances that were not anticipated; typically used with the definite article as a collective noun.

- When you travel to a new country, you must be prepared for the unexpected.
- A seasoned diplomat must always be prepared for the unexpected, as even the most stable negotiations can be derailed by a single stray comment.

Usage: Almost always used as 'the unexpected'.

## Examples

- The rain was unexpected because the sky was clear this morning.
- The team celebrated their unexpected victory after the star player scored in the final seconds.
- While the merger had been rumored for months, the sudden resignation of the CEO provided an unexpected twist that sent the company's stock into a volatile decline.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.