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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

unannounced arrival
an arrival without prior notice or warning.
unannounced inspection
an inspection that is not scheduled or communicated in advance.

Related Words

announce
to make a public declaration about something.
notification
the action of notifying someone or something.

Slang Meanings

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.