Unexpectedly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something occurs without prior notice or prediction, often neutral or slightly positive.

• The meeting was unexpectedly canceled.
• Their friends unexpectedly arrived with gifts.

Used when something occurs in a way that is unexpected and causes surprise, often positive or neutral.

• Surprisingly, she finished the marathon in record time.
• The food was surprisingly good.

Used when something happens quickly and without warning, often with a feeling of rudeness or suddenness.

• She abruptly left the room in the middle of the discussion.
• The car came to an abrupt stop.

Used when something happens quickly and without prior warning, generally neutral but can lean negative.

• Suddenly, the lights went out.
• He suddenly realized he had forgotten his keys.

Used when something happens without a previous warning or anticipation. Common in everyday situations.

• She arrived unexpectedly at the party
• The meeting ended unexpectedly early

Used to describe events or consequences that were not anticipated, often in planning or problem-solving contexts.

• The project faced unforeseen challenges
• They had to deal with unforeseen circumstances

Used to describe events specifically once thought to be calculated or forecasted by models or experts but did not occur as anticipated.

• The storm was unpredicted by the meteorologists
• There were unpredicted economic shocks

Used when something happens in a manner that could not have been predicted, often in legal or formal contexts.

• The event was unforeseeably canceled due to regulatory changes
• He was unforeseeably affected by the new policy