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unexpected

B1
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪd/

US

  • /ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/

Description

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!

Examples

  1. 1

    News

    We got some unexpected news this morning.

  2. 2

    Guests

    An unexpected guest arrived just as we were sitting down to dinner.

  3. 3

    Costs

    The car repair came with a few unexpected costs.

  4. 4

    Apology

    Her apology was unexpected, but I was glad to hear it.

  5. 5

    Research result

    The result was unexpected, even to the scientists who ran the experiment.

    • Pattern

      unexpected to + person

      surprising to that person

  6. 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. 7

    Creative sources

    Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unexpectedadjective