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.
There were signs of economic progress earlier in the year, with inflation easing towards the Bank of England's two-percent target and unemployment unexpectedly falling in February.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
Most famously, the October 1987 “Black Monday” market crash came after Greenspan unexpectedly raised rates, he noted.
From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026
Lemming leans all the way into the chaos and brings us on an absurdly fun journey with unexpectedly sweet relationship work.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
"It covers when the ball is unexpectedly hit at you by a team-mate, even if your arm is away from your body - the law says you should not give away a penalty," said Johnson.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
The jacket, unexpectedly, was wonderful—old Brooks Brothers, unlined silk, ivory with stripes of peacock green—a little loose, but it fit all right.
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.
