Unplanned: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

unplanned

 

[ ʌnˈplænd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

event

Not arranged or intended in advance; spontaneous.

Synonyms

accidental, impromptu, spontaneous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unplanned

Use this word when something happens without any prior arrangements or preparation.

  • Our trip to the coast was completely unplanned.
  • Her pregnancy was unplanned but welcomed.
impromptu

This describes actions or events that are done without being planned, typically in a creative or informal setting.

  • They held an impromptu meeting to discuss the problem.
  • She gave an impromptu speech at the party.
spontaneous

Use this word for actions or events that are done on the spur of the moment, often characterized by impulsivity and enthusiasm.

  • His spontaneous trip to Paris surprised everyone.
  • The crowd gave a spontaneous cheer.
accidental

This word applies when something happens by chance or by mistake, often without intention.

  • He accidentally spilled coffee on his shirt.
  • The discovery of penicillin was accidental.

Examples of usage

  • an unplanned visit
  • unplanned pregnancy
  • unplanned party
Context #2 | Adjective

activity

Not prepared or thought out beforehand; spontaneous

Synonyms

impromptu, spontaneous, spur of the moment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unplanned

Use this word to describe something that was not planned or anticipated beforehand. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The meeting was unplanned, but we managed to cover important topics
  • Her pregnancy was unplanned
impromptu

This word is best for situations where something is done without preparation, often referring to performances, speeches, or meetings. It has a slightly formal tone.

  • He gave an impromptu speech at the wedding
  • The team held an impromptu meeting to discuss the changes
spontaneous

Ideal for describing actions that are done naturally and without much thought or planning. It carries a positive connotation and often relates to personal or social activities.

  • Their spontaneous road trip turned out to be an adventure
  • He made a spontaneous decision to buy the tickets
spur of the moment

This phrase is used for actions or decisions made suddenly without prior thinking or planning, often in casual or informal conversations.

  • We decided to go to the beach on the spur of the moment
  • It was a spur-of-the-moment idea to bake a cake

Examples of usage

  • an unplanned speech
  • unplanned decision
Context #3 | Adjective

appearance

Appearing or happening without being intended; unexpected.

Synonyms

accidental, unexpected, unforeseen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unplanned

Used when something happens without prior intention or arrangement, often in informal or everyday situations.

  • The unplanned meeting turned out to be very productive
  • She discovered an unplanned pregnancy
unexpected

Describes events or outcomes that are not anticipated, often with a neutral or positive connotation.

  • They received an unexpected visit from an old friend
  • The results of the experiment were completely unexpected
unforeseen

Used in situations where something could not have been predicted or planned for, often in formal or serious contexts.

  • The project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances
  • The policy aims to address unforeseen complications that might arise
accidental

Refers to events or actions that occur by chance and usually involve some degree of surprise or a mistake, often in a legal or technical context.

  • The scientist discovered the cure by accidental means
  • The car accident was deemed to be purely accidental

Examples of usage

  • an unplanned meeting
  • an unplanned encounter

Translations

Translations of the word "unplanned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não planejado

🇮🇳 अयोजित

🇩🇪 ungeplant

🇮🇩 tidak direncanakan

🇺🇦 непланований

🇵🇱 nieplanowany

🇯🇵 計画されていない

🇫🇷 non planifié

🇪🇸 no planificado

🇹🇷 plansız

🇰🇷 계획되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مخطط له

🇨🇿 neplánovaný

🇸🇰 neplánovaný

🇨🇳 未计划的

🇸🇮 nepredviden

🇮🇸 óundirbúinn

🇰🇿 жоспарланбаған

🇬🇪 გაუთვალისწინებელი

🇦🇿 planlaşdırılmamış

🇲🇽 no planeado

Etymology

The word 'unplanned' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of the verb 'plan'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 18th century. The concept of something being unplanned has been a part of human experiences since ancient times, as unexpected events have always occurred throughout history.

See also: plan, plane, planned, planner, planners, planning, plans, replan.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,971, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.