Word
unexpectedly
Phoneticsun·ex·pect·ed·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪdɫi/
UK/ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪdli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening in a way that you did not think would happen. You use this when something surprises you because you were not waiting for it.
adv. occurring in a manner that was not anticipated or foreseen. Typically modifies a verb to indicate a sudden or surprising change in circumstances.
Examples
“The rain started unexpectedly during our picnic.”
“The meeting ended unexpectedly early, giving everyone a chance to catch up on their emails.”
“The CEO announced her resignation unexpectedly during the quarterly review, leaving the board of directors scrambling to find a suitable interim replacement.”
Examples
simple
“The rain started unexpectedly during our picnic.”
contextual
“The meeting ended unexpectedly early, giving everyone a chance to catch up on their emails.”
complex
“The CEO announced her resignation unexpectedly during the quarterly review, leaving the board of directors scrambling to find a suitable interim replacement.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause; can also appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis.
Pitfall
It happened unexpected
It happened unexpectedly
Learners often use the adjective form 'unexpected' when the adverb 'unexpectedly' is required to modify a verb.
Etymology
From unexpected + -ly or un- + expectedly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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