unexpected
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.describes something that happens even though you did not think it would.
adj.not anticipated or foreseen; occurring without prior notice or expectation.
Simple“The rain was unexpected because the morning sky had been perfectly clear.”
In context“The company faced several unexpected challenges during the merger, ranging from cultural clashes to sudden regulatory changes.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.surprising events or things that you did not plan for.
n.events or circumstances that were not anticipated; typically used with the definite article as a collective noun.
Simple“When you travel to a new country, you must be prepared for the unexpected.”
In context“A seasoned diplomat must always be prepared for the unexpected, as even the most stable negotiations can be derailed by a single stray comment.”
UsageAlmost always used as 'the unexpected'.
Synonymssurprisesunforeseen eventsAntonymsthe inevitable
“For many people in their 50s and 60s, losing a job can be the start of a long and unexpected struggle to get back into work.”
“Stock turned up for sale in unexpected places as retailers sought to cash in on demand, including a central London bakery .”
From un- + expected.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.