sudden

American  

[suhd-n] / ˈsʌd n /

adjective

1. happening, coming, made, or done quickly, without warning, or unexpectedly.

   a sudden attack.

   Antonyms:

   gradual

2. occurring without transition from the previous form, state, etc.; abrupt.

   a sudden turn.

   Antonyms:

   gradual

3. impetuous; rash.

4. Archaic. quickly made or provided.

5. Obsolete. unpremeditated.

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adverb

1. Literary. without warning; suddenly.

noun

1. Obsolete. an unexpected occasion or occurrence.

idioms

1. all of a sudden, without warning; unexpectedly; suddenly. Also on a sudden

sudden British  

/ ˈsʌdən /

adjective

1. occurring or performed quickly and without warning

2. marked by haste; abrupt

3. rare rash; precipitate

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noun

1. archaic an abrupt occurrence or the occasion of such an occurrence (in the phrase on a sudden )

2. without warning; unexpectedly

adverb

1. poetic without warning; suddenly

sudden More Idioms  

1. see all of a sudden.

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Related Words

Sudden, unexpected, abrupt describe acts, events, or conditions for which there has been no preparation or gradual approach. Sudden refers to the quickness of an occurrence, although the event may have been expected: a sudden change in the weather. Unexpected emphasizes the lack of preparedness for what occurs or appears: an unexpected crisis. Abrupt characterizes something involving a swift adjustment; the effect is often unpleasant, unfavorable, or the cause of dismay: He had an abrupt change in manner. The road came to an abrupt end.

Other Word Forms

• suddenly adverb
• suddenness noun

Etymology

Origin of sudden

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English adjective and adverb sodain, soden, sodan(e), from Middle French soudain, from Vulgar Latin subitānus, from Latin subitāneus “going or coming stealthily,” equivalent to subitus “sudden, arising without warning” + -āneus composite adjective suffix, equivalent to -ānus + -eus; subito, -an, -eous

Example Sentences

Investors realized their portfolios were underhedged against sudden policy shocks — and that those shocks can arrive faster than positioning can adjust.

From MarketWatch

“You could be a billionaire today, and then the market plummets, and now all of a sudden, you’re a pauper,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Seahawks’ surprising return to the Super Bowl, 11 years since their last visit, also began with a sudden improvement under center.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rachel's fate was sealed in a small chest, after the round table had voted for her and James in a tie that led to sudden death, Rachel had one chance to stay in the game.

From BBC

The team suggests the quasar may be observed during a short transitional period, possibly following a sudden influx of gas.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• abrupt
• hasty
• immediate
• precipitous
• quick
• rapid
• swift
• unforeseen
• unusual