unexpected

IPA/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/
KK[ˌʌnɪkspˈɛktɪd]IPA/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/

unexpected — adjective

  • unexpectedpositive
  • more unexpectedcomparative
  • most unexpectedsuperlative

1. Something that is unexpected happens without any signal or clue that it was comi

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

Something that is unexpected happens without any signal or clue that it was coming, leaving you surprised.

Example

Christopher's unexpected visit to his grandmother made her cry with joy.

unexpected + noun (visit, call, knock) collocation

The heavy snowfall in April was completely unexpected for the town.

completely + unexpected adverb collocation

Common collocations
  • completely unexpected
  • totally unexpected
  • quite unexpected
  • unexpected visit
  • unexpected news
  • unexpected change
  • unexpected guest
  • unexpected turn of events
Synonyms
  • unforeseen

    more formal; emphasizes that something could not have been predicted even with careful planning

  • surprising

    focuses on the emotional reaction of wonder or shock rather than the lack of warning

  • sudden

    stresses the speed of the event rather than the fact that it was not expected

  • unanticipated

    more formal; often used in business or academic writing

Antonyms
  • expected

    the direct opposite; something you were waiting for or knew would happen

  • predictable

    emphasizes that something could be easily known or guessed in advance

Usage Note

Frequently used before nouns (prenominally) and after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'. Unlike some adjectives, 'unexpected' does not combine with prepositions such as 'to' or 'for'.

Common Mistakes

This result is unexpected from me.
This result is unexpected to me.
Use 'to', not 'from', when saying something surprises someone.
I had an unexpected.' (as a noun)
I had an unexpected surprise.
'Unexpected' is an adjective; it needs a noun unless used in the fixed phrase 'the unexpected.'

2. You use this sense in fixed phrases such as 'expect the unexpected' or 'the unex

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

You use this sense in fixed phrases such as 'expect the unexpected' or 'the unexpected' when referring to surprising or unusual events that may happen at any time, often as a warning or reminder to be ready.

Example

Travelers should always expect the unexpected when visiting a foreign country.

fixed phrase: expect the unexpected

The show was full of surprises, and the unexpected kept the audience excited.

the + unexpected as a noun subject

Common collocations
  • expect the unexpected
  • prepare for the unexpected
  • the unexpected happens
  • be ready for the unexpected
  • the unexpected can happen
Synonyms
  • the unforeseen

    slightly more formal; often used in planning and risk management contexts

Antonyms
  • the predictable

    what happens exactly as you expect, leaving no room for surprise

  • the ordinary

    everyday, normal events that are not at all surprising

Grammar Patterns

the + unexpected

expect + the unexpected

Usage Note

Only this sense turns 'unexpected' into a noun by adding 'the'. It is not used in other grammatical roles (e.g. 'an unexpected' by itself is incorrect). Common in advice, warnings, and observations about life or travel.

Common Mistakes

We need to prepare for unexpected.
We need to prepare for the unexpected.
The definite article 'the' is required when using 'unexpected' as a noun.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While all four words describe something that happens without warning, they differ in tone and emphasis. 'Unexpected' is the most general and neutral — it simply means you had no reason to believe something would happen ('The unexpected rain soaked the picnic blankets'). 'Unforeseen' is more formal and suggests that even careful planning could not have prevented it ('The unforeseen costs forced the company to cancel the project'). 'Surprising' adds an emotional component of wonder or shock ('Her surprising victory stunned the tennis world'). 'Sudden' focuses on speed rather than expectation ('A sudden loud noise made everyone jump'). 'Unanticipated' is the most formal of the group and appears often in academic or business writing ('The unanticipated drop in sales led to layoffs'). Choose 'unexpected' for everyday use and 'unforeseen' or 'unanticipated' for professional or formal contexts.

unforeseen ↗surprising ↗sudden ↗unanticipated ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • expect the unexpected
  • the unexpected
  • prepare for the unexpected

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Unexpected' was formed in English around the early 1600s by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to the past participle 'expected.' The word 'expect' comes from Latin 'expectare,' meaning 'to look out for, await, or hope for,' formed from 'ex-' ('out') and 'spectare' ('to look'). So 'unexpected' literally means 'not looked for or waited for.' The sense of 'surprising because not anticipated' has been in use since the 1600s.