unexpected
The unexpected refers to events or things that happen without being planned or predicted. It describes surprises that can cause people to feel strong emotions like shock, joy, or worry.
Examples
3 of 5I always try to enjoy the unexpected in my daily life.
I always try to enjoy the unexpected in my daily life.
The government must have a plan for the unexpected.
The government must have a plan for the unexpected.
Life is just full of the unexpected, isn't it?
Life is just full of the unexpected, isn't it?
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an UN-EX-pected gift: 'UN' means 'not', and 'EXpect' means 'to wait for'. You are NOT waiting for it!
Quick Quiz
In a world of changes, we must always be ready for the ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: unexpected
Examples
I always try to enjoy the unexpected in my daily life.
everydayI always try to enjoy the unexpected in my daily life.
The government must have a plan for the unexpected.
formalThe government must have a plan for the unexpected.
Life is just full of the unexpected, isn't it?
informalLife is just full of the unexpected, isn't it?
Scientific research often leads to the discovery of the unexpected.
academicScientific research often leads to the discovery of the unexpected.
Our financial strategy accounts for the unexpected in the market.
businessOur financial strategy accounts for the unexpected in the market.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Expect the unexpected
Expect the unexpected
A turn for the unexpected
A turn for the unexpected
The joy of the unexpected
The joy of the unexpected
Often Confused With
Unexpectedly is an adverb describing how something happens, while 'the unexpected' is a noun referring to the event itself.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, 'unexpected' is almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'. It acts as a collective noun for anything that wasn't planned.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use 'the' before 'unexpected' when they want to use it as a noun. They might also confuse it with the adjective form in simple sentences.
Memory Tip
Think of an UN-EX-pected gift: 'UN' means 'not', and 'EXpect' means 'to wait for'. You are NOT waiting for it!
Word Origin
From the prefix 'un-' (not) combined with 'expected', which comes from the Latin 'exspectare' meaning 'to look out for'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, the phrase 'expect the unexpected' is a common piece of advice for staying resilient.
Quick Quiz
In a world of changes, we must always be ready for the ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: unexpected
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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wonderA feeling of surprise and admiration that you have when you...
suddenA noun used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'all of a...
More Emotions words
joy
A1A deep feeling of great happiness and pleasure. It is used to describe an intense emotion or something that causes this feeling.
pleased
A1To feel or show satisfaction and happiness about a specific event, situation, or result. It is commonly used to describe a person's positive emotional state when their expectations are met or exceeded.
content
A1A feeling of being happy and satisfied with what you have or your current situation. It describes a state of peace where you do not feel the need for anything more.
eager
A1Eager describes a person who has a strong desire to do something or is very excited about something that will happen. It suggests a positive, energetic readiness and a keen interest in a particular activity.
confident
A1To be confident means feeling sure about your own abilities or that something will happen as you expect. It describes a person who believes in themselves and does not feel nervous or shy in front of others.
proud
A1Proud describes the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements or the achievements of those one is associated with. It is often used to express honor or high self-esteem regarding a specific quality or action.
relieved
A1Feeling happy and relaxed because something difficult or unpleasant has stopped or did not happen. It describes the sense of comfort you feel when a worry goes away.
cherish
A1To love someone or something very much and want to protect them. It also means to keep a happy memory or a feeling in your heart for a long time.
admire
A1To look at someone or something and feel respect or approval. It is used when you think someone is very good, or when you think something is beautiful to look at.
tender
A1A gentle and kind feeling or quality shown toward others. It describes a soft emotional state where someone is caring, affectionate, and easily moved by love or sympathy.
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