unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The remaining production allows the company flexibility to meet unanticipated market demand. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Hundreds more defaults than expected meant $68 million in unanticipated loan write-offs. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 May 2025 The result marks an unanticipated setback for Merz who was widely expected to secure the necessary votes and be officially sworn in later in the day. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 6 May 2025 That brings us to Senate Bill 769, which appears superficially to be a positive effort to expand infrastructure financing but could be another example of unanticipated consequences. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unanticipated

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

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Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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