# unprovoked

/ˌənpɹəˈvoʊkt/ (US) · /ʌnpɹəvˈəʊkt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unprovoked
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

happening without any reason or warning. You use this to describe an action that is sudden and unexpected, especially if it is rude or violent.

For teachers: occurring without any prior cause or warning; lacking a logical or justifiable reason. Often used to describe aggressive or hostile behavior that appears to be spontaneous.

## Examples

- He was surprised by the unprovoked attack.
- The dog gave an unprovoked bark at the mailman, even though the man had never done anything to it.
- The diplomat was taken aback by the unprovoked criticism from the committee, which seemed to ignore the months of careful preparation that had led to the summit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.