unexpectedly

[uhn-ik-spek-tid-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that is surprising or unforeseen.

   One of her friends passed away unexpectedly this week.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unexpectedly¹

unexpected ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The researchers discovered that a portion of the T helper cells that increase with age unexpectedly have killing capabilities.

Read more on Science Daily

Though, unexpectedly, respondents still picked Kamala Harris as their choice for the nomination.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Israeli authorities said on Saturday that 153 Palestinians who turned up unexpectedly in South Africa, triggering questions from its president, had received entry approval from an unnamed third country.

Read more on Barron's

But when the great man dies unexpectedly, the imposter is forced to impersonate him in full.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their unexpectedly late formation has challenged researchers for decades.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• quickly 
• suddenly 
• unusually www.thesaurus.com