unexpected

Everyday

1. Not expected; surprising because you did not think it would happen. tree →
2. (noun «the unexpected») Things that surprise you: «Expect the unexpected.» tree →

In the lessons

Very common in stories, where unexpected events make a plot exciting («an unexpected visitor»). In science, an unexpected result in an experiment is something to check and think about. In safety: be ready for the unexpected. Phrases: «unexpected guest», «the unexpected», «quite unexpected».

Examples

• We had an unexpected visitor at the door. tree →
• The test result was unexpected: the plant grew faster in the dark. tree →
• An unexpected storm ruined the picnic. tree →
• Expect the unexpected when you go camping. tree →
• Her unexpected gift made me smile. tree →
• The answer 0 was unexpected, so we checked our working. tree →
• What an unexpected sight met his gaze! tree →

Note

Takes «an»: «an unexpected surprise». Opposite: expected, predicted. In science, an unexpected result is not automatically wrong; check the method and repeat.