Unannounced

/ˌʌn.əˈnaʊnst/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not made known in advance; occurring without prior notice.

The company conducted an unannounced inspection to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Arriving or happening without prior warning.

She received an unannounced visit from her childhood friend, which took her by surprise.

Done without formal notification.

The unannounced changes to the schedule confused many participants at the event.

Combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'announced', which comes from the Latin 'annuntiatus', meaning 'to announce'.

unannounced arrival

an arrival without prior notice or warning.

unannounced inspection

an inspection that is not scheduled or communicated in advance.

announce

to make a public declaration about something.

notification

the action of notifying someone or something.

sudden drop-in

My friend made a sudden drop-in, completely unannounced.

surprise guest

He showed up as a surprise guest, not unannounced but unexpected.