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

Creator Loren Bouchard and actor H. Jon Benjamin — who voices the “Bob” of the title — were unexpectedly waylaid by illness and travel troubles, respectively.

From Los Angeles Times

The reasons why are numerous, from early-season injuries in the rotation to an extended second-half slump from the lineup to a string of bullpen collapses that made the division race unexpectedly close.

From Los Angeles Times

A BBC podcast follows the story of how one young woman's life took an unexpectedly wild turn.

From BBC

Freese was a last-minute addition to the touring band, after the group unexpectedly swapped percussionists with Foo Fighters days before Peel It Back kicked off.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Al Hassan said the situation was "shocking", with patients left struggling to get prescriptions as Jhoots branches were regularly and unexpectedly closed, or open with low stock.

From BBC

Related Words

• quickly 
• suddenly 
• unusually www.thesaurus.com