adjective
unexpected
Not anticipated.
An unexpected phone call interrupts our quiet evening at home.
Etymology
The negative prefix denies prior expectation. An unexpected occurrence arrives without having been anticipated.
More examples
- The project faces an unexpected delay.
- Her unexpected kindness makes a difficult day easier.
- The offer is generous but completely unexpected.
Forms
unexpected
unexpectedly adverb — In a way not anticipated beforehand.
Similar words
- unforeseen
- Emphasizes something not predicted or recognized in advance.
- surprising
- Emphasizes the reaction of surprise rather than prior expectations.