least expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"least expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an event or outcome that was surprising or unexpected. For example: "The outcome of the election was least expected-- nobody expected the newcomer to win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And it came when least expected.

The New York Times - Style

That was the one argument I least expected to encounter".

The New York Times

Existence confirmed, always when you least expected it.

The New Yorker

It was her eighth, and least expected, Grand Slam win.

The New York Times - Sports

You always found these hands where you least expected them.

The New Yorker

Sometimes a marketable idea is discovered where it's least expected.

The New York Times

The most emotion, though, came from the least expected source.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, when I least expected it, Surhone came for me.

The New York Times - Books

The story is most revealing where least expected.

Independent

She at least expected the film to cause debate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

See? Great ideas can come from the least-expected places.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least expected" to add emphasis when describing events that not only surprised but defied logical prediction based on prior knowledge or assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "least expected" when describing something merely surprising. Reserve it for scenarios where the outcome was genuinely improbable or defied reasonable forecasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least expected" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by emphasizing its unforeseen or improbable nature. Ludwig examples show it qualifying events, emotions, or sources, underscoring their surprising character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least expected" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something surprising and improbable. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to act as an adjectival modifier, adding emphasis to the unexpected nature of events, outcomes, or sources. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register. While alternatives like ""most surprising"" and "utterly unforeseen" exist, "least expected" specifically highlights the defiance of logical prediction. Use this phrase judiciously to add impact when describing truly improbable or surprising situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most surprising

Emphasizes the element of surprise as the primary characteristic.

completely unanticipated

Focuses on the absence of prior expectation or prediction.

beyond anticipation

Indicates that the event surpassed any reasonable expectation.

utterly unforeseen

Highlights the lack of anticipation or preparation for the event.

the biggest shock

Focuses on the unexpected and startling nature of an event.

quite unpredicted

Underscores the inability to foresee the event based on available information.

contrary to anticipation

Highlights the divergence between what was expected and what actually occurred.

out of the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey suddenness and lack of warning.

defying expectations

Implies a challenge to conventional wisdom or established norms.

against all odds

Suggests that the event was improbable or unlikely based on existing circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "least expected" in a sentence?

You can use "least expected" to describe a surprising event or outcome. For example, "The victory came when it was "least expected"".

What's the difference between "least expected" and "most surprising"?

"Least expected" implies that the event was not only surprising but also defied any logical prediction, while "most surprising" simply highlights the level of surprise. You could also use "most surprising".

Which is correct, "least expected" or "less expected"?

"Least expected" is correct when referring to something that was the most improbable or unforeseen outcome. "Less expected" is appropriate when comparing two outcomes where one was slightly more surprising than the other. It depends on the context, in this case, you want to use "least expected".

What can I say instead of "least expected"?

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