unexpected

unexpected — adjective

1. Something that is unexpected happens without any signal or clue that it was comi

1.形容詞B1
釋義

Something that is unexpected happens without any signal or clue that it was coming, leaving you surprised.

例句

Christopher's unexpected visit to his grandmother made her cry with joy.

unexpected + noun (visit, call, knock) collocation

The heavy snowfall in April was completely unexpected for the town.

completely + unexpected adverb collocation

同義詞
  • unforeseen

    more formal; emphasizes that something could not have been predicted even with careful planning

  • surprising

    focuses on the emotional reaction of wonder or shock rather than the lack of warning

  • sudden

    stresses the speed of the event rather than the fact that it was not expected

  • unanticipated

    more formal; often used in business or academic writing

反義詞
  • expected

    the direct opposite; something you were waiting for or knew would happen

  • predictable

    emphasizes that something could be easily known or guessed in advance

用法筆記

Frequently used before nouns (prenominally) and after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'. Unlike some adjectives, 'unexpected' does not combine with prepositions such as 'to' or 'for'.

常見錯誤

❌This result is unexpected from me.
✅This result is unexpected to me.
💡Use 'to', not 'from', when saying something surprises someone.
❌I had an unexpected.' (as a noun)
✅I had an unexpected surprise.
💡'Unexpected' is an adjective; it needs a noun unless used in the fixed phrase 'the unexpected.'

2. You use this sense in fixed phrases such as 'expect the unexpected' or 'the unex

2.形容詞B2
釋義

You use this sense in fixed phrases such as 'expect the unexpected' or 'the unexpected' when referring to surprising or unusual events that may happen at any time, often as a warning or reminder to be ready.

例句

Travelers should always expect the unexpected when visiting a foreign country.

fixed phrase: expect the unexpected

The show was full of surprises, and the unexpected kept the audience excited.

the + unexpected as a noun subject

同義詞
  • the unforeseen

    slightly more formal; often used in planning and risk management contexts

反義詞
  • the predictable

    what happens exactly as you expect, leaving no room for surprise

  • the ordinary

    everyday, normal events that are not at all surprising

文法句型

the + unexpected

expect + the unexpected

用法筆記

Only this sense turns 'unexpected' into a noun by adding 'the'. It is not used in other grammatical roles (e.g. 'an unexpected' by itself is incorrect). Common in advice, warnings, and observations about life or travel.

常見錯誤

❌We need to prepare for unexpected.
✅We need to prepare for the unexpected.
💡The definite article 'the' is required when using 'unexpected' as a noun.