Unexpectedness: meaning, definitions and examples

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unexpectedness

 

[ ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in a situation

The quality of being surprising or unforeseen; the state of being unexpected.

Synonyms

astonishment, surprise, unpredictability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexpectedness

Use this word when referring to something that is not anticipated or foreseen, often in a neutral or factual context.

  • The unexpectedness of the event caught everyone off guard.
  • The unexpectedness of his visit left us scrambling to prepare.
surprise

A versatile word used for describing a reaction to something unanticipated, which can be either positive or negative depending on the context.

  • The birthday party was a complete surprise.
  • To my surprise, the train arrived on time.
unpredictability

Used when discussing scenarios or conditions where outcomes cannot be anticipated, often in neutral or technical contexts.

  • The unpredictability of the stock market makes it difficult to invest.
  • Weather unpredictability is a challenge for farmers.
astonishment

This word is best used when describing a feeling of great surprise and wonder, usually in a positive or extraordinary context.

  • She looked on in astonishment as the magician performed his tricks.
  • The news of their engagement was met with general astonishment.

Examples of usage

  • The unexpectedness of his arrival caught everyone off guard.
  • I was taken aback by the sudden unexpectedness of the news.
Context #2 | Noun

in a plot twist

The element of surprise or twist in a storyline that deviates from the expected.

Synonyms

plot deviation, surprise element, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexpectedness

Use in formal or casual situations to describe something that was not anticipated.

  • The unexpectedness of the storm caught everyone off guard.
  • Her unexpectedness of winning the lottery was a pleasant shock.
twist

Commonly used in storytelling or narrative contexts, often referring to an unexpected turn of events that alters the direction of the story.

  • The twist at the end of the movie left everyone speechless.
  • There was a surprising twist in the middle of the book that changed everything.
surprise element

Can be used in a wide range of contexts to refer to a surprising component or factor in a situation or event.

  • The surprise element in tonight's performance thrilled the audience.
  • Adding a surprise element to the party made it even more memorable.
plot deviation

Primarily used in literary or cinematic contexts to describe a change in the storyline that differs from the expected plot.

  • The plot deviation in the final chapter was both shocking and intriguing.
  • Viewers were not ready for the plot deviation that took the series in a new direction.

Examples of usage

  • The unexpectedness of the plot twist left the audience in awe.
  • Her writing is known for its unexpectedness and originality.

Translations

Translations of the word "unexpectedness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inesperado

🇮🇳 अप्रत्याशितता

🇩🇪 Unerwartetheit

🇮🇩 ketidakdugaan

🇺🇦 непередбачуваність

🇵🇱 nieoczekiwaność

🇯🇵 予期しないこと

🇫🇷 imprévu

🇪🇸 inesperado

🇹🇷 beklenmedik

🇰🇷 예기치 않음

🇸🇦 غير متوقع

🇨🇿 neočekávanost

🇸🇰 neočakávanosť

🇨🇳 意外

🇸🇮 nepričakovanost

🇮🇸 óvænt

🇰🇿 күтпегендік

🇬🇪 უცნაური

🇦🇿 gözlənilməzlik

🇲🇽 inesperado

Etymology

The word 'unexpectedness' is derived from the word 'unexpected', which dates back to the mid-16th century. The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'expected' comes from the Latin 'expectare', meaning 'to await'. The concept of unexpectedness has always been a part of human experience, as life is full of surprises and twists that challenge our expectations.

See also: expect, expectancy, expectant, expectantly, expectation, expectations, expected, expectedly, expecting, expectorate, unexpected, unexpectedly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,814 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.