unexpectedly
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of unexpectedly
Explanation
When something happens unexpectedly, it takes you by surprise because you weren’t prepared for it, like a surprise party or a sudden rainstorm on a sunny day. The adverb unexpectedly comes from the word unexpected, which means "something that wasn’t anticipated or planned." When something happens unexpectedly, it catches you off guard and can lead to a range of emotions, like surprise, excitement, or even confusion. For example, you might unexpectedly bump into an old friend at the grocery store or receive an unexpected gift in the mail, creating a memorable moment.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The singer died unexpectedly at age 48 in 2012.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
Nearly 60 years on, Edwards said the trauma could still return unexpectedly.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
July U.S. inflation data will be closely watched after unexpectedly weak jobs data cast doubt on a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
There are two major investment lessons to learn from the unexpectedly strong year-to-date performance of many non-U.S. stock markets.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026
Then, quite unexpectedly, there was another knock at the door.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
