unexpected delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"Unexpected delay" is a perfectly valid phrase that you can use in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which something happened later than expected or was held back due to some unforeseen circumstances. For example: "The release of the new product was delayed due to an unexpected delay in the manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

De Rivaz has since written to workers in a bid to reassure them the £18bn project is still strong despite the unexpected delay.

The Guardian

Among the mishaps were an unexpected delay at the start of trading, missing trade execution messages and, at one point, orders that were filled by hand.

The New York Times

But she did not count on the longer wait between trains and on an unexpected delay while the train was stalled, and she wound up a half-hour late for work.

The New York Times

An unexpected delay was granted in the Lockerbie bombing trial today when prosecutors surprised the court by announcing that they had new evidence "of some complexity and considerable sensitivity" that they needed time to consider.

The New York Times

The door guy said it was "list only," so I have retreated to a base camp on the opposite corner, where I am pretending to text Sean Lennon and indicating frustration at this unexpected delay.

The New Yorker

The Securities and Exchange Commission said that it would review the day's trading, which included an unexpected delay, missing trade execution messages and at one point, having to fill orders by hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Sure, there are unexpected delays," she said.

The New York Times

A new distribution center also experienced unexpected delays.

The New York Times

And a new distribution center had unexpected delays.

The New York Times

Windows 7 is faster to start up from hibernation and less prone to unexpected delays.

The New York Times

There will be unexpected delays, unforeseen expenses and problems with pipelines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected delay", clearly state the cause of the delay to provide context and transparency.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there was an "unexpected delay" without explaining what caused it. This can leave the audience confused and frustrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected delay" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where something is postponed or held back due to unforeseen circumstances, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unexpected delay" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe unforeseen postponements. As Ludwig AI points out, it's important to provide context when using this phrase. Alternatives like "unforeseen delay" or "surprise delay" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and general contexts, making it a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen delay

Focuses more on the lack of anticipation.

unanticipated setback

Highlights the negative impact of the delay.

surprise hold-up

Emphasizes the element of surprise.

sudden postponement

Highlights the abrupt nature of the delay.

unpredicted holdup

Similar to "unforeseen delay", emphasizing the lack of prediction.

unexpected setback

Replaces delay with setback, emphasizing negative consequences.

surprise delay

Concise alternative, focusing on the unexpected nature.

unforeseeable delay

Stresses the impossibility of predicting the delay.

sudden delay

Emphasizes the abruptness of the delay.

unanticipated delay

Focuses on the lack of anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected delay" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected delay" to describe a situation where something is postponed or held up for unforeseen reasons. For example, "The project faced an unexpected delay due to a supplier issue."

What are some alternatives to "unexpected delay"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen delay", "unanticipated setback", or "surprise hold-up" depending on the context.

Is "unexpected delay" formal or informal?

"Unexpected delay" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language should match the intended tone.

Which is more appropriate, "unexpected delay" or "unforeseen delay"?

Both "unexpected delay" and "unforeseen delay" are appropriate and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.