What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
random
Example
The lottery numbers are chosen at random. [random: adjective]
Example
I just picked a random book from the library shelf. [random: adjective]
Example
He started talking about random topics that had nothing to do with the meeting. [random: adjective]
unplanned
Example
We made an unplanned stop at the beach on our road trip. [unplanned: adjective]
Example
The party was unplanned but turned out to be a lot of fun. [unplanned: adjective]
Example
Her visit to the museum was unplanned, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. [unplanned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unplanned is more commonly used than random in everyday language. Unplanned is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while random is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between random and unplanned?
Both random and unplanned are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation. However, random may be perceived as more informal or slangy than unplanned in some contexts.