unexpected
/ʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/
Describes something that occurs without prior warning, anticipation, or preparation. It captures the feeling of a sudden disruption to a predicted pattern or timeline. While "surprising" often implies an emotional reaction (shock or delight), "unexpected" is more neutral and descriptive of the event's occurrence relative to expectation. It can be positive (an unexpected gift) or negative (an unexpected expense). In formal contexts, it often serves as a polite euphemism for something unplanned or inconvenient. In casual speech, it suggests a twist of fate or a random coincidence.
💬Casual Conversation
Your recent supply intake log indicates an unexpected payload.
Unexpected? I was counting on that care package. What a kick in the teeth.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
unexpected guest
A person who arrives without being invited or announced.
We had an unexpected guest for dinner last night.
unexpected turn of events
A sudden and surprising change in a situation.
The unexpected turn of events left everyone speechless.
unexpected result
A conclusion or outcome that was not anticipated.
The experiment produced an unexpected result.
unexpected expense
A cost that was not planned for.
An unexpected expense can disrupt a budget.
unexpected delay
A postponement that was not foreseen.
We experienced an unexpected delay due to bad weather.
Idioms & Sayings
from an unexpected quarter
From a source or direction that was not anticipated.
The support came from an unexpected quarter.