Word
unexpected
Phoneticsun·ex·pect·ed, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/
UK/ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪd/
Definitions
01surprising or unplanned
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.
日本語:予想外※
“The rain was unexpected because the morning sky had been perfectly clear.”
“The company faced several unexpected challenges during the merger, ranging from cultural clashes to sudden regulatory changes.”
Synonyms
02the unexpected
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
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.
日本語:予想外※
“When you travel to a new country, you must be prepared for the unexpected.”
“A seasoned diplomat must always be prepared for the unexpected, as even the most stable negotiations can be derailed by a single stray comment.”
Usage
Almost always used as 'the unexpected'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unexpected” in context.
Verb
01. receive unexpected news
“She received unexpected news about her promotion while she was on vacation.”
verb + adj + noun
02. take an unexpected turn
“The investigation took an unexpected turn when a new witness came forward.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. completely unexpected
“The results of the election were completely unexpected by the political analysts.”
adv + adj
04. unexpected and unwelcome
“The sudden increase in taxes was both unexpected and unwelcome for small business owners.”
adj + and + adj
Noun
05. unexpected delay
“Due to an unexpected delay at the airport, we missed our connecting flight.”
adj + noun
06. unexpected expense
“It is always wise to have some savings to cover an unexpected expense like a car repair.”
adj + noun
07. unexpected guest
“We had to quickly prepare a meal when an unexpected guest arrived at our door.”
adj + noun
08. unexpected outcome
“The experiment led to an unexpected outcome that challenged existing scientific theories.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“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 .” “For Andrew Bird, from Melbourne, in Australia, it was a spot in an often over-booked pilates class - but his solution had unexpected consequences.” “Volunteers will be monitored for a year, but scientists should know quickly whether the vaccine is producing the right kind of immune response or any unexpected side effects.” Etymology
From un- + expected.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unexpected
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0