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.
Indonesia’s central bank unexpectedly held interest rates steady on Wednesday as it assessed the effects of previous tightening moves.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The fire erupted Tuesday in the Var region and spread at an unexpectedly fast pace, forcing some 400 people to evacuate and devouring 2,550 hectares.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
The stage was won unexpectedly by Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after managing to stay with Pogacar, and then power away from Del Toro.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
U.S. import prices unexpectedly ticked up in June from May, driven by nonfuel imports, while petroleum imports finally pulled back, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
He is polite and thoughtful and unexpectedly modest, and he talks with the quiet earnestness of a graduate student.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
