Unexpected: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips

Meaning 1：surprising (unexpected)

unexpected 🔊

/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/

adj.

Something that happens without warning or that you did not think would happen, often surprising you.

Unexpected gift box surprises woman with wide eyes and open mouth

surprising 🔊

➕

/səˈpraɪzɪŋ/

adj.

Describing an event or situation that occurs without prior notice or expectation, causing surprise.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

un- (not) + expect (to look forward to) + -ed (past participle); literally 'not looked forward to'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'un' (not) + 'expected' (thought would happen). If it's not expected, it's a surprise, like an unexpected gift.

📖 Example

We had a unexpected downpour during our picnic, so we all ran laughing to find shelter. 🔊 During our picnic, we experienced an unexpected downpour, causing us to run laughing in search of shelter.

🔗 Collocations

unexpected surprise – a surprise that was not anticipated

unexpected event – an event that occurs without warning

unexpected turn – a sudden change in direction or outcome

🔄 Synonyms

surprising (adj.) – causing a feeling of surprise; unexpected

unforeseen (adj.) – not anticipated or predicted

sudden (adj.) – occurring or done quickly and unexpectedly

🚫 Antonyms

expected (adj.) – regarded as likely to happen

predictable (adj.) – able to be predicted

anticipated (adj.) – expected or predicted

🌱 Derivatives

unexpectedly (adv.) – in a way that is surprising or not expected

unexpectedness (n.) – the quality of being unexpected

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'exspectare' (to look out for), via Old French 'expecter'. The prefix 'un-' negates the base, forming a word widely used in modern English to describe surprising events or outcomes.