Word
unsurprising
Phoneticsun·sur·pris·ing, stress on the third syllable
US/ənsɝˈpɹaɪzɪŋ/
UK/ʌnsəpɹˈaɪzɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing something that you expected to happen. It is used when a result or event is exactly what you thought it would be.
adj. expected or predictable based on previous knowledge or circumstances. Often used to introduce a statement that confirms a logical pattern.
Examples
“It is unsurprising that the team won the game.”
“Given the dark clouds in the sky, the sudden rain shower was entirely unsurprising to the hikers.”
“The study found an unsurprising correlation between consistent sleep patterns and improved cognitive performance among the participants.”
Examples
simple
“It is unsurprising that the team won the game.”
contextual
“Given the dark clouds in the sky, the sudden rain shower was entirely unsurprising to the hikers.”
complex
“The study found an unsurprising correlation between consistent sleep patterns and improved cognitive performance among the participants.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unsurprising” in context.
Verb
01. consider unsurprising
“Experts consider the rise in energy prices to be unsurprising.”
verb + adj
02. find unsurprising
“Most critics found the movie's predictable ending quite unsurprising.”
verb + adj
03. remain unsurprising
“The results remain unsurprising despite the new methodology used.”
verb + adj
04. seem unsurprising
“It may seem unsurprising now, but at the time it was a major revelation.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. entirely unsurprising
“Given the lack of preparation, the team's defeat was entirely unsurprising.”
adv + adj
06. hardly unsurprising
“It is hardly unsurprising that the company failed after such poor management.”
adv + adj
07. wholly unsurprising
“The decision to cancel the project was wholly unsurprising to those involved.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. unsurprising conclusion
“The report reached the unsurprising conclusion that more funding is needed.”
adj + noun
09. unsurprising result
“The unsurprising result of the election led to very little public reaction.”
adj + noun
10. find it unsurprising that
“I find it unsurprising that they decided to move to a warmer climate.”
11. it is perhaps unsurprising that
“It is perhaps unsurprising that the most expensive cars are also the safest.”
12. not altogether unsurprising
“The sudden resignation of the CEO was not altogether unsurprising to the board.”
Usage
Often used as a predicative adjective following 'it is' to introduce a 'that' clause.
Real-World Examples
“This is unsurprising given that it goes straight to questions about America's identity, laws and economy.” “That is perhaps unsurprising, given that the court is dominated by six Republican appointees.” “Today's crossword, brimming with musical references, was crafted by Gina Turner, who, as readers may find unsurprising, is also a musician.” “Collecting moment-to-moment data on daily behaviour will likely generate a lot of unsurprising intuitive findings (for example, larger households consume more energy).” Etymology
From un- + surprising.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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