unexpected (English)

Where does "unexpected" come from?

The English adjective 'unexpected' is formed from the negative prefix 'un-' combined with 'expected'[1]. It describes something that is not anticipated, foreseen, or expected[1].

Full etymology tree

• unexpected (English), 'Not expected, anticipated or foreseen.'
  • prefix un- (English), 'not'
  • affix expected (English), 'Anticipated; thought to be about to arrive or occur.'

Ancestors

• un- (English)
• expected (English)

Descendants and derived words

• expect the unexpected (English)
• sudden unexpected death syndrome (English)
• unexpected hanging paradox (English)
• unexpectedly (English)
• unexpectedness (English)
• unexpected red theory (English)

Sources

1. unexpected (English) - Wiktionary

Updated October 2026

More words starting with U

Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris