defying expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defying expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or person that surpasses what was anticipated or predicted, often in a positive way. Example: "The young artist's latest exhibition is truly remarkable, defying expectations and showcasing her incredible talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Two were as expected and inflation came in below forecasts, defying expectations for a post-referendum pick-up in price rises.

The Guardian - Business

But LinkedIn - the professional social network that is expected to begin trading this week on the New York Stock Exchange - is defying expectations.

The New York Times

It's fun defying expectations about me.

The Guardian

Mr. Cortines knows about defying expectations.

The New York Times

"Hair" has a history of defying expectations.

The New York Times

He also has a knack for defying expectations.

The New York Times

Lawrence Goldhuber has made a career of defying expectations.

The New York Times - Arts

Throughout the record, Yancey seems bent on defying expectations.

The New Yorker

But recently Franco has been busy defying expectations.

The Guardian - Books

But then Al Sharpton, 49, is accustomed to defying expectations.

The New York Times

But criticism does not faze her; her career is a lesson in defying expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defying expectations" when you want to emphasize that an outcome was not only unexpected but also contradicted common assumptions or predictions. It's particularly effective when highlighting resilience, innovation, or a surprising change in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "defying expectations" in situations where unexpected outcomes are already the norm, such as in creative fields or rapidly evolving industries. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing seem less insightful. Find a more creative option to state an obvious result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defying expectations" functions as a verb phrase acting as a present participle, often used adjectivally to describe a noun or situation that contradicts predictions. As supported by Ludwig AI, this can be observed in contexts such as "inflation came in below forecasts, defying expectations" or "the magazine's circulation rapidly soared, defying expectations".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defying expectations" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations that contradict predictions or assumptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, serving to highlight surprising or unexpected outcomes. While versatile and generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in predictable contexts to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "exceeding anticipations" or "surpassing predictions" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding anticipations

Similar meaning, but emphasizes surpassing rather than contradicting expectations. It focuses on a higher level of achievement.

surpassing predictions

Like exceeding anticipations, but perhaps with a stronger sense of forecasting involved.

confounding forecasts

Implies a higher degree of surprise or bewilderment caused by the unexpected outcome.

bucking the trend

Specifically refers to acting against a prevailing pattern or direction.

running contrary to predictions

Highlights the opposition or divergence from what was expected.

flying in the face of projections

More dramatic and suggests a bold contradiction of established assessments.

invalidating assumptions

Focuses on the incorrectness of the underlying beliefs that led to the expectations.

proving expectations wrong

Directly states that the expectations were incorrect, often in a factual way.

outperforming forecasts

This conveys better results than initially projected.

thwarting presumptions

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the frustration of expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "defying expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "defying expectations" to describe situations where the outcome contradicts what was predicted or commonly believed. For example, "The company's profits rose, "defying expectations" of an economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "defying expectations"?

Alternatives include "exceeding anticipations", "surpassing predictions", or "confounding forecasts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for something to "defy expectations"?

When something is described as ""defying expectations"", it means that it has acted or performed in a way that is contrary to what was predicted, anticipated, or considered likely. It often carries a connotation of surprise and sometimes admiration.

Is it always a positive thing when something is "defying expectations"?

Not necessarily. While ""defying expectations"" often implies a positive outcome, such as exceeding performance goals, it can also refer to negative surprises. The context determines whether it's viewed favorably.