unexpected
word
/ˌənɪkˈspɛktɪd/
uhn-ik-SPEK-tid
/ˌʌnɛkspˈɛktɪd/
uhn-ik-SPEK-tid
Definition
If something is unexpected, it happens or appears when you did not think it would. It can be surprising, unusual, or not planned.
Usage & Nuances
Often used before nouns: 'unexpected news', 'unexpected problem', 'unexpected guest'. It is neutral and common in both everyday and formal English. For people, 'surprised' describes a feeling, while 'unexpected' describes the thing that caused it.
Spanish: inesperado - imprevistoPortuguese (BR): inesperado - imprevistoPortuguese (PT): inesperado - imprevistoChinese (Simplified): 意外的 - 突然的Chinese (Traditional): 意外的 - 突然的Hindi: अप्रत्याशित - अनपेक्षितArabic: غير متوقع - مفاجئBengali: অপ্রত্যাশিত - হঠাৎRussian: неожиданныйJapanese: 予期しない - 思いがけないVietnamese: bất ngờ - không ngờKorean: 예상치 못한 - 뜻밖의Turkish: beklenmedikUrdu: غیر متوقعIndonesian: tidak terduga - tak disangka
Example Sentences
The rain was unexpected this morning.
basic
We had an unexpected visitor at dinner.
basic
The test result was unexpected.
basic
Sorry for the late reply — something unexpected came up at work.
natural
His joke took the conversation in an unexpected direction.
natural
Honestly, her kindness was unexpected, but I really appreciated it.
natural