Unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs without warning or is not anticipated. Example: "The unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With its unexpected revival, Ripper Street has grown broader shoulders and a more confident gait, while retaining the stillness that made it so impressive in the first place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

McDermott says his squad is too limited and needs January reinforcements – most fans agree, but many of them also detect unexpected limitations in McDermott's approach and are eager to see some new ideas as well as new faces.

The Guardian - Sport

BBC1's Election 2015 programme had an average of 4.3 million viewers, a 38.5% share, from 9.55pm on Thursday, kicking off with its shock exit poll that predicted an unexpected 316 seats for the Conservatives.

The Guardian

Its executive Loren Treisman says: "It's exciting to see a technology-driven project targeting such an unexpected constituency.

The Guardian

Even her few words of Gaelic at the start of her speech at the state dinner on Wednesday evening – "A Úachtárain agus a chairde" ("president and friends", immaculately pronounced) – were an unexpected gesture.

The Guardian

A good app does something unexpected – or expected, but for some reason nobody has done it before.

The Guardian

One of the unexpected pleasures of this magical island, incidentally, is how more or less everyone has a passionate interest in the English Premiership.

The Guardian - Travel

"Maybe it was unexpected that the deal was reached," admitted Zsoltan Kovacs, an Orban spokesman, adding: "The contracts are signed".

The Guardian

However, she says: "Sometimes it comes back at unexpected moments.

The Guardian - Music

Salmond was stunned by the unexpected concession, which seemed to have deprived him of the opportunity to attack Westminster for meddling in Scottish matters.

The Guardian

She was an alcoholic arrested more than 400 times, but clearly found some kindness in the unexpected surroundings of the House of Detention where she made the cushion in 1879 and presented it to the warden.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Unexpected" to emphasize the lack of anticipation or predictability of an event. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "Unexpected" when describing events that are statistically likely or reasonably foreseeable. For instance, saying "the unexpected sunset" is inappropriate, as sunsets are expected daily.

Linguistic Context

The word "Unexpected" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something was not anticipated or foreseen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts to describe events, outcomes, or situations that occur without prior expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "Unexpected" is a versatile term used to describe something not anticipated or foreseen, functioning as a modifier to highlight surprise. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "unforeseen" or "surprising" can be used, "Unexpected" maintains a neutral tone applicable to diverse settings. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding predictable scenarios, and leverage its strength to emphasize genuine surprises. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "Unexpected" remains a reliable choice for expressing unforeseen circumstances in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unanticipated

Formal synonym, implies lack of prior expectation.

Unforeseen

Emphasizes the inability to predict or anticipate.

Surprising

Highlights the element of astonishment.

Unpredicted

Focuses on the absence of prior calculation.

Unlooked-for

Suggests something that was not being awaited or expected.

Out of the blue

Idiomatic expression for sudden and without warning.

A surprise

Nominal form emphasizing the unexpected event.

Sudden

Highlights the abruptness of the event.

Chance

Indicates an event occurring by accident or without planning.

Random

Suggests lack of pattern or predictability.

FAQs

How to use "Unexpected" in a sentence?

The adjective "Unexpected" is typically used before a noun to describe something that was not anticipated. For example, "The "unexpected result" surprised everyone" or "An "unexpected guest" arrived at the door".

What can I say instead of "Unexpected"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen", "surprising", or "unanticipated" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "Unexpected result" or "Unexpecting result"?

"Unexpected result" is the correct phrase. "Unexpecting" is not typically used in this context. "Unexpected" describes something that was not expected, while "unexpecting" is rarely used and would describe someone who is not expecting something, which is not the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "Unexpected" and "Surprising"?

While both words describe something that wasn't anticipated, "Unexpected" focuses more on the lack of prior expectation, whereas "surprising" emphasizes the feeling of astonishment or wonder caused by the event.