unexpected
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪd/
US
- /ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/
Description
- Not anticipated
- Surprising
- Unforeseen
Life is full of surprises, and when something happens that you didn't see coming, it's unexpected. It doesn't necessarily mean something bad—an unexpected gift can be delightful! But often, we use the word when things don't go as planned. A sudden rainstorm during a picnic? Unexpected. A friend showing up at your door out of the blue? Also unexpected. The key is that it catches you off guard. Think of a plot twist in a story—that's usually an unexpected turn of events!
The word unexpected describes something that happens without any sign that it was going to happen. It means the event was not predicted, planned for, or thought likely. It is more than just "surprising"; it suggests that you truly didn't see it coming.
You might experience an unexpected phone call from an old friend, receive an unexpected bonus at work, or encounter an unexpected obstacle on your journey. The context can range from pleasant to problematic. An unexpected compliment feels good, while an unexpected bill is rarely welcome!
The word often carries a sense of disruption. An unexpected event can throw off plans and require changes. For example: "The unexpected snowstorm caused widespread travel delays."
However, unexpected isn't always negative. Sometimes the best things in life are the ones we did not expect. A chance meeting or a happy discovery can be good examples. In fact, being open to the unexpected can lead to exciting new adventures and opportunities.
So, whether it's a delightful surprise or a frustrating setback, something unexpected is simply anything that takes you by surprise—a deviation from the norm that wasn't part of the plan.
Examples
- 1
News
We got some unexpected news this morning.
- 2
Guests
An unexpected guest arrived just as we were sitting down to dinner.
- 3
Costs
The car repair came with a few unexpected costs.
- 4
Apology
Her apology was unexpected, but I was glad to hear it.
- 5
Research result
The result was unexpected, even to the scientists who ran the experiment.
Pattern
unexpected to + person
surprising to that person
- 6
Conversation shift
The conversation took an unexpected turn when he mentioned quitting his job.
Phrase
take an unexpected turn
change in a surprising way
- 7
Creative sources
Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unexpectedadjective